Sonnet LXXIII. Translation.

By Anna Seward

Sonnet
     He who a tender long-lov'd Wife survives,         Sees himself sunder'd from the only mind         Whose hopes, and fears, and interests, were combin'd,         And blended with his own. - No more she lives!      No more, alas! her death-numb'd ear receives         His thoughts, that trace the Past, or anxious wind         The Future's darkling maze! - His wish refin'd,         The wish to please, exists no more, that gives      The will its energy, the nerves their tone! -         He feels the texture of his quiet torn,         And stopt the settled course that Action drew;      Life stands suspended - motionless - till thrown         By outward causes, into channels new; -         But, in the dread suspense, how sinks the Soul forlorn!

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
The poem explores the profound grief and loneliness that accompanies the loss of a long-loved spouse. The overarching theme is one of lost connection and the subsequent existential crisis experienced by the widower, as he is 'sunder'd' from the only mind that truly understood him. This is a poignant exploration of the intimately shared life between two people and the deep void left when one departs.

The poem is constructed in a formal, structured meter, which serves to underscore the gravity of the widower's grief. The tone is mournful and introspective, capturing a sense of despair and disconnection from life. The use of words like "sunder'd," "death-numb'd," and "darkling maze" heighten the sense of loss and melancholy. The poem also uses the metaphor of movement and suspension to illustrate the widower's state. The line "Life stands suspended - motionless - till thrown" suggests a life paused in grief, waiting for external forces to drive it forward again.

The phrase "how sinks the Soul forlorn" is particularly striking as it encapsulates the despair of the protagonist. The use of the capitalized 'Soul' suggests a spiritual or existential crisis in the face of such loss, a questioning of one's place in the world now that their beloved is gone. Overall, the poem offers a poignant exploration of grief, loneliness, and the struggle to find meaning and purpose following the loss of a deeply loved partner.

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.