In Memoriam Thomas Edward Brown

By William Ernest Henley

Sonnet
(Ob. October 30, 1897)     He looked half-parson and half-skipper: a quaint,     Beautiful blend, with blue eyes good to see,     And old-world whiskers.    You found him cynic, saint,     Salt, humourist, Christian, poet; with a free,     Far-glancing, luminous utterance; and a heart     Large as ST. FRANCIS'S: withal a brain     Stored with experience, letters, fancy, art,     And scored with runes of human joy and pain.     Till six-and-sixty years he used his gift,     His gift unparalleled, of laughter and tears,     And left the world a high-piled, golden drift     Of verse: to grow more golden with the years,     Till the Great Silence fallen upon his ways     Break into song, and he that had Love have Praise.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem is a poignant and profound eulogy to a multifaceted character, who is described through a combination of contrasting traits. Its primary theme is the celebration of this individual's life and talent, with undertones of sorrow and respect for the inevitable end that comes with death. The tone is both nostalgic and reverential, blending admiration for the subject's complexity and appreciation for their artistic contribution.

The structure of the poem follows an ABAB rhyme scheme, maintaining a rhythmic and melodious flow, while the language is richly descriptive and evocative. The poem employs several striking literary devices, such as metaphor ("a high-piled, golden drift of verse"), alliteration ("half-parson and half-skipper") and synecdoche (the use of "blue eyes" and "old-world whiskers" to represent the whole person), enhancing the vividness of the portrait it paints. The subject is depicted as a blend of contradictions – "cynic, saint, salt, humourist, Christian, poet" – suggesting a person of profound depth and dynamism. The poem's closing lines express a hope for the subject's legacy to endure and flourish beyond death, a testament to the lasting impact of their life and work.

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.