Ecclesiastical Sonnets - Part III. - XIV - Continued

Author: William Wordsworth

But to the solemn duties which surround
A fallen people’s throne, the Church doth cling
With growing ardor; and the blameless ground
That doth such life-enhancing blessings bring,
Is the wide field of holy learning found
In the pure records of that book divine,
Which, on her altars set, is yet the same,
Though spread with incense, and adorned with flowers;
And from her bosom sends forth to the sun,
The love of Him who made the summer hours
And taught the summer’s birds to sing and fly.
Thus, in her season, and in all her days,
The Church receives her ever-during praise.
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Type of Poem: Sonnet

Date Written: 1822-01-01

Date Published: 1822-01-01

Language: English

Keywords: Ecclesiastical Sonnets, Reflection, Church, Learning, Divine

Source: Public Domain Collection

Publisher: W.Wordsworth

Rights/Permissions: Public Domain

Comments/Notes: A sonnet from Part III of the Ecclesiastical Sonnets series where Wordsworth continues to reflect on the Church’s role in society. The poem emphasizes the Church’s unwavering commitment to its sacred duties, grounded in the divine teachings of the Bible, and celebrates its enduring influence and praise throughout the ages.

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.