Ecclesiastical Sonnets - Part II. - XXXVI - General View Of The Troubles Of The Reformation

By William Wordsworth

Sonnet
Sad lot of those who, touched by tenderest care For rights bestowed on them at birth, can find No haven, none, in Church or State designed, Whither to flee for peace. What is most fair Amid the troubled Past, is Truth to dare, And see where Duty leads;—while yet confined To paths by enmity unjustly lined, Or shrouded in the depths of dark despair. Then are the Dangers rife that throng the course Of those who seek to do the noblest good; Yet no light cheereth them, from sun or star, For to the fond, confiding heart no source Of sweet encouragement doth offer proof, Till we in silence kiss the chastening rod.
Written: 1822-01-01

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Poem Details

Date Written: 1822-01-01
Date Published: 1822-01-01
Language: English
Keywords: Ecclesiastical Sonnets, Reflection, Reformation, Troubles, Faith
Source: Public Domain Collection
Publisher: W.Wordsworth
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
A sonnet from Part II of the Ecclesiastical Sonnets series where Wordsworth reflects on the general troubles faced during the Reformation. The poem acknowledges the hardships and dangers encountered by those striving to uphold truth and duty, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and the eventual acceptance of divine chastisement.

Understanding the Sonnet

The sonnet is one of the most enduring and celebrated forms of poetry, known for its strict structure and profound themes. With a history spanning centuries, sonnets have been used to explore love, beauty, politics, and mortality, all within the confines of just 14 lines.

Sonnets are characterized by their precise form and rhyme scheme, which vary depending on the type of sonnet. Here’s a closer look:

  • Shakespearean (English) Sonnet: Composed of three quatrains followed by a final couplet, with a rhyme scheme of ABABCDCDEFEFGG. This form often builds a complex argument or narrative, culminating in a powerful closing statement.
  • Petrarchan (Italian) Sonnet: Divided into an octave (eight lines) and a sestet (six lines), with a typical rhyme scheme of ABBAABBA for the octave, followed by various patterns in the sestet such as CDECDE or CDCDCD. The octave usually presents a problem, with the sestet providing a resolution.
  • Meter: Sonnets are traditionally written in iambic pentameter, which gives the poem a rhythmic and melodic quality that enhances its emotional impact.

The sonnet’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to condense complex emotions and ideas into a small but potent package, making it a favorite form for poets seeking to explore profound themes with precision and elegance.