Ecclesiastical Sonnets - Part III. - XVII - Places Of Worship

By William Wordsworth

Sonnet
As star that shines dependent upon star Is to the sky while we sojourn below; To whatsoever star, within his ken, The pilgrim would his tale of suffering show, The nearest whom his weary limbs could bear, He shall for pilgrimage to all aspire, And all receive the telling of his care; A reverend and a voice shall there be found, A crown, an altar, holy books, and prayer, And fasts and festivals and happy hours; For all the churches there are all the same; And one surpasses them: the solid ground Whereon the holy temples rise and tower.
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, Worship, Churches, Faith
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 places of worship. The poem highlights the sacred nature of churches as places where pilgrims can find solace, spiritual guidance, and a connection with the divine, emphasizing the unity of all places of worship in their purpose and significance.

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.