Ecclesiastical Sonnets - Part III. - XXXIX - Church To Be Erected

By William Wordsworth

Sonnet
Where, long the sounds of holy hymns have ceased, The voice of worship shall be heard once more, And Faith, as she renews her inward store, Shall also outwardly renew her feast, Glad to re-enter on the loved employ Of social praise. The sacred walls shall rise A visible delight to human eyes; And when the day of consecration calls, On this once happy plain, with many a sigh, The swain shall bid farewell to what was dear, And yield, with pious reverence, to the tear That sanctifies the spot where the blest dead lie.
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, Church, Renewal, Worship
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 construction of a new church. The poem celebrates the renewal of faith and worship in a community, emphasizing the joy and reverence associated with the consecration of a new place of worship and the emotional connection to the land and the memories it holds.

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.