Ecclesiastical Sonnets - Part III. - IV - Latitudinarianism

By William Wordsworth

Sonnet
Yet Truth is keenly sought for, and the mind Admits the slowly ripening soul, Until the Truth itself shall find Its full expression; then the whole, A harmony in reason and in law, Shall rise to its eternal place, And, reconciled, be as it were One with the very life of man. O’er all the world, by land and sea, This universal work of Truth, As it develops silently, In strength, and beauty, and in youth, Grows on—until, from age to age, This, the true creed of man, shall be Revealed at last, and Truth be free.
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, Latitudinarianism, Truth, Reason
Source: Public Domain Collection
Publisher: W.Wordsworth
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
A sonnet from Part III of the Ecclesiastical Sonnets series where Wordsworth reflects on Latitudinarianism, a movement emphasizing reason and tolerance in religious belief. The poem envisions the gradual development of truth in harmony with reason and law, ultimately leading to a universal creed of truth that unites all of humanity.

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.