A Reward

By Henry Kendall

Sonnet
    Because a steadfast flame of clear intent     Gave force and beauty to full-actioned life;     Because his way was one of firm ascent,     Whose stepping-stones were hewn of change and strife;     Because as husband loveth noble wife     He loved fair Truth; because the thing he meant     To do, that thing he did, nor paused, nor bent     In face of poor and pale conclusions; yea!     Because of this, how fares the Leader dead?     What kind of mourners weep for him to-day?     What golden shroud is at his funeral spread?     Upon his brow what leaves of laurel, say?     About his breast is tied a sackcloth grey,     And knots of thorns deface his lordly head.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This sonnet, composed in a modified Shakespearean form, explores the paradox of a leader who embodies virtue yet is mourned in ignominy. The octave establishes an idealized portrait of resolute leadership, emphasizing steadfastness and integrity. The leader’s life, though marked by strife, is imbued with purpose, his unwavering devotion to truth likened to marital fidelity. The volta in the ninth line shifts abruptly to a somber inquiry about his posthumous fate, revealing a disconnect between his noble character and the circumstances of his death. The sestet’s imagery sackcloth, thorns, and absent laurels contrasts starkly with the initial praise, suggesting betrayal or societal rejection. The poem’s tension lies in this dissonance, questioning whether virtue alone ensures legacy. The final line’s lordly head defaced by thorns underscores the tragedy of a noble life met with ignoble end, leaving the reader to ponder the fragility of honor in the face of human inconstancy.

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.