In Hospital - IX - Lady-Probationer

By William Ernest Henley

Sonnet
    Some three, or five, or seven, and thirty years;     A Roman nose; a dimpling double-chin;     Dark eyes and shy that, ignorant of sin,     Are yet acquainted, it would seem, with tears;     A comely shape; a slim, high-coloured hand,     Graced, rather oddly, with a signet ring;     A bashful air, becoming everything;     A well-bred silence always at command.     Her plain print gown, prim cap, and bright steel chain     Look out of place on her, and I remain     Absorbed in her, as in a pleasant mystery.     Quick, skilful, quiet, soft in speech and touch . . .     'Do you like nursing?'    'Yes, Sir, very much.'     Somehow, I rather think she has a history.

Share & Analyze This Poem

Spread the beauty of poetry or dive deeper into analysis

Analyze This Poem

Discover the literary devices, structure, and deeper meaning

Copy to Clipboard

Save this poem for personal use or sharing offline

Share the Love of Poetry
More Poems
More Sonnets
Daily Poem

Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This is a poem rich in character portraiture and subtle hints of a larger narrative. The speaker observes a woman, possibly a nurse, and provides a detailed description of her physical attributes and demeanor. The use of numbers in the first line could indicate her age or years of service, while the rest of her physical characteristics, such as a Roman nose and dark, shy eyes, are painted with vivid precision. The tone is largely observational, with a hint of curiosity and intrigue.

The poem's structure is unique, with the first eight lines serving as a detailed physical description. Then, the focus shifts to the woman's attire, before finally drawing attention to her character and profession. The last line proposes a suggestion of a hidden past or 'history' that infuses the poem with a sense of mystery and ambiguity. The use of dialogue in the penultimate line is particularly effective, presenting a contrast between the woman's apparent contentment in her profession and the speaker's sense that there is more to her story. The poem's language is accessible and straightforward, yet the careful selection of details and the suggestion of an underlying narrative give it a depth that invites further reflection.

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.