Sonnet LXVIII.

By Francesco Petrarca (Petrarch)

Sonnet
    Fuggendo la prigione ov' Amor m' ebbe.     HE LONGS TO RETURN TO THE CAPTIVITY OF LOVE.         Fleeing the prison which had long detain'd,     Where Love dealt with me as to him seem'd well,     Ladies, the time were long indeed to tell,     How much my heart its new-found freedom pain'd.     I felt within I could not, so bereaved,     Live e'en a day: and, midway, on my eyes     That traitor rose in so complete disguise,     A wiser than myself had been deceived:     Whence oft I've said, deep sighing for the past,     Alas! the yoke and chains of old to me     Were sweeter far than thus released to be.     Me wretched! but to learn mine ill at last;     With what sore trial must I now forget     Errors that round my path myself have set.     MACGREGOR.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poignant piece of verse is a rumination on the paradox of freedom and captivity in the context of love. The speaker grapples with the irony of his newfound freedom, which, instead of offering joy, brings him pain and longing for his past 'imprisonment'. The poem is steeped in a melancholic tone, as the speaker reflects on the past, sighing for the comfort of old chains and the sweetness of the yoke of love.

The structure follows a sonnet form, which is a traditional choice for exploring themes of love and longing. The octave (first eight lines) introduces the problem of the speaker's distress in freedom, while the sestet (last six lines) reveals his longing for the past, his regret, and his struggle to forget his self-inflicted 'errors'. The poem's language is rich in metaphors, notably the 'prison' and 'chains' symbolizing love, and 'freedom' signifying loneliness. The metaphor of 'disguise' highlights the deceptive nature of love, suggesting how it can ensnare even the 'wiser' ones. The poem is a testament to the human tendency to romanticize the past and yearn for what is lost, bringing an emotional depth that resonates with readers.

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.