Ecclesiastical Sonnets - Part III. - XXIV - Confirmation Continued

By William Wordsworth

Sonnet
Sacred the everlasting ties that bind The mother and her child; no storm nor flood, Nor time’s remorseless hand, nor ruthless death, Shall sever them, who wait in faith and love The glorious morning when the heavens shall yield A triumph of their own, and angels sing With us the while, and share our joy sublime. By prayer and fastings, by each good work Of Christian discipline, by penitence, By every vow which purity entails, Shall she, the Virgin Mother, consecrate That which is her first-born, and seal him there, Where, at the font, the rite of Faith began.
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, Confirmation, Faith, Motherhood
Source: Public Domain Collection
Publisher: W.Wordsworth
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
A continuation of the reflection on Confirmation from Part III of the Ecclesiastical Sonnets series where Wordsworth explores the sacred bond between mother and child. The poem highlights the role of the Virgin Mother in guiding and consecrating the first-born, emphasizing the importance of faith and Christian discipline in this process.

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.