In Hospital - XVIII - Children: Private Ward

By William Ernest Henley

Sonnet
    Here in this dim, dull, double-bedded room,     I play the father to a brace of boys,     Ailing but apt for every sort of noise,     Bedfast but brilliant yet with health and bloom.     Roden, the Irishman, is 'sieven past,'     Blue-eyed, snub-nosed, chubby, and fair of face.     Willie's but six, and seems to like the place,     A cheerful little collier to the last.     They eat, and laugh, and sing, and fight, all day;     All night they sleep like dormice.    See them play     At Operations:- Roden, the Professor,     Saws, lectures, takes the artery up, and ties;     Willie, self-chloroformed, with half-shut eyes,     Holding the limb and moaning - Case and Dresser.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem manifests a rich blend of themes and tonal shifts, offering an intimate glimpse into a shared life in a "dim, dull, double-bedded room". It appears to be a narrative poem revolving around the daily activities and interactions of two young boys, Roden and Willie. The speaker adopts the persona of a father-like figure, observing and chronicling the boys' actions with an affectionate and observant eye. The tone is a mix of playful, tender, and melancholic, hinting at a deeper significance behind the boys' seemingly ordinary actions.

The poem's structure is carefully crafted, adhering to a consistent rhyme scheme that lends a musical quality to the narration. This rhythmic element not only adds to the poem's auditory appeal but also accentuates its thematic content, underscoring the boys' vitality and vibrancy. The poet's use of vivid, descriptive language and imagery, such as comparing the boys' deep slumber to dormice and the metaphorical description of their play as "Operations," effectively paints a lively picture of the room's atmosphere. This detailed portrayal of the boys' shared experiences provides an evocative exploration of childhood innocence, camaraderie, and the joys and pains of growing up.

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.