I Know An Old Man Constrained To Dwell

Author: William Wordsworth

I know an old Man constrained to dwell
In a large house of public charity,
Where he abides, as in a Prisoner's cell,
With numbers near, companions in despair,
Or blithe, indifferent, as the moody are.

None heeds, none aids: his heart would break, if faint
At times it bled in secret unawares;
For his affections, else in blight, grow faint,
Fading for want of sustenance. His tears
Have flowed like rain in the mid-season when
The sapless tree its fading leaves must shed,
And left the soul, once living, cold and dead.
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Type of Poem: Sonnet

Date Written: 1818-01-01

Date Published: 1818-01-01

Language: English

Keywords: Aging, Reflection, Loneliness, Charity

Source: Public Domain Collection

Publisher: W.Wordsworth

Rights/Permissions: Public Domain

Comments/Notes: A sonnet that mirrors the themes of the previous poem, reflecting on the life of an old man living in a public charity. The poem speaks to the loneliness and despair of aging, as well as the indifference of society to the struggles of the elderly.

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.