Ecclesiastical Sonnets - Part III. - XL - Continued

By William Wordsworth

Sonnet
Thus have I seen, in secret place of power, A mourner stand, and claim his Father’s ear; Or where the altar and the martyr’s hour Shed forth the soul to Heaven. The place is dear To me, as consecrated ground. Yet there Are sanctuaries of God, which I revere In heart, though all the pomp of holy prayer Is banished far. The mountain’s brow is bare, And the deep vale, the wooded hill is clear Of all save Nature’s temples, and the air Is tranquil as a dream. Then let me kneel, And, lifting up the heart, adore that Power, Which in the stars and in the groves is found.
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, Sacred Places, Nature, Prayer
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 continues to reflect on the sanctity of places of worship. The poem emphasizes that God’s presence can be felt not only in traditional sanctuaries but also in nature, where the mountains, valleys, and groves become temples of divine power and prayer.

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.