London Types - VIII. Bluecoat Boy

By William Ernest Henley

Sonnet
    So went our boys when EDWARD SIXTH, the King,     Chartered CHRIST'S HOSPITAL, and died.    And so     Full fifteen generations in a string     Of heirs to his bequest have had to go.     Thus CAMDEN showed, and BARNES, and STILLING-FLEET,     And RICHARDSON, that bade our LOVELACE be;     The little ELIA thus in NEWGATE STREET;     Thus to his GENEVIEVE young S. T. C.     With thousands else that, wandering up and down,     Quaint, privileged, liked and reputed well,     Made the great School a part of LONDON TOWN     Patent as PAUL'S and vital as BOW BELL:     The old School nearing exile, day by day,     To certain clay-lands somewhere HORSHAM way.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem refers to the historic Christ's Hospital, a well-known English boarding school, and its relationship with the city of London. The poet explores themes of history, continuity, change, and nostalgia through the so-called 'fifteen generations' of students who have passed through its halls. The structure, a succession of rhyming couplets, underscores this sense of continuity, while the formal language and capitalization of certain words give the poem an almost reverential tone.

The poet uses allusions to different figures associated with the school, such as Edward VI, its founder, and notable alumni like Samuel Taylor Coleridge (S.T.C), to convey the school's historical significance. Meanwhile, the mention of 'NEWGATE STREET' and 'HORSHAM', the school's old and new locations respectively, signify the transition from the urban environment to the countryside, a change imbued with a sense of loss and longing. The phrase 'nearing exile' suggests a forced departure, while the comparison of the school to 'PAUL'S and vital as BOW BELL' - two iconic London landmarks - underlines its integral role in the city's fabric. The poem thus captures the poignant sense of displacement felt in the face of change, while also celebrating the enduring legacy of a venerable institution.

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.