Ecclesiastical Sonnets - Part III. - XIII - Aspects Of Christianity In America

By William Wordsworth

Sonnet
Long have I marked the story of thy ways, O thou free Country! but thy paths have been To me an unillumined wilderness. Yet, though no pilgrim from the Western seas Has ever traced them, they are not unseen In the deep vision of the prophet’s dream. He tells us, that the day will come, when all The scattered children of the cross shall rise To gather round the throne of Him who died For every nation under Heaven; and that Thy shores shall be a refuge to the poor, The outcast, and the oppressor’s prey, who may In thee, find shelter and a home of peace.
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, Christianity, America, Refuge
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 the role of Christianity in America. The poem envisions America as a future refuge for the oppressed and a place where the scattered followers of Christ will gather, inspired by a prophetic vision of unity and peace.

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.