A Wraith In The Mist

By Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Sonnet
     "Sir, I should build me a fortification, if I     came to live here." --BOSWELL'S Johnson.     On the green little isle of Inchkenneth,         Who is it that walks by the shore,     So gay with his Highland blue bonnet,         So brave with his targe and claymore?     His form is the form of a giant,         But his face wears an aspect of pain;     Can this be the Laird of Inchkenneth?         Can this be Sir Allan McLean?     Ah, no!    It is only the Rambler,         The Idler, who lives in Bolt Court,     And who says, were he Laird of Inchkenneth,         He would wall himself round with a fort.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
In this poem, the speaker engages in a witty and satirical exchange with a character who proposes building a fortification on the island of Inchkenneth. The speaker's incredulity is palpable as they question the identity of the individual who makes such a claim. The contrast between the character's boastful declaration and their own skepticism is a hallmark of the poem's tone. The speaker's attention to detail is also noteworthy, as they note the character's Highland attire and the distinctive features of their face. The poem's use of irony and ridicule serves to highlight the character's pretensions and the speaker's own wry observation. Ultimately, the speaker's observation that the character is merely the Rambler and the Idler, rather than the Laird of Inchkenneth, underscores the poem's commentary on the nature of identity and pretension. The speaker's dry wit and clever wordplay render the poem a nuanced exploration of the human condition.

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.