Woodstock Park

By Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Sonnet
    Here in a little rustic hermitage         Alfred the Saxon King, Alfred the Great,         Postponed the cares of king-craft to translate         The Consolations of the Roman sage.     Here Geoffrey Chaucer in his ripe old age         Wrote the unrivalled Tales, which soon or late         The venturous hand that strives to imitate         Vanquished must fall on the unfinished page.     Two kings were they, who ruled by right divine,         And both supreme; one in the realm of Truth,         One in the realm of Fiction and of Song.     What prince hereditary of their line,         Uprising in the strength and flush of youth,         Their glory shall inherit and prolong?

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem contemplates the legacy of two literary giants, Alfred the Great and Geoffrey Chaucer, and their enduring influence on English literature. Structured as a Shakespearean sonnet, the poem employs a formal tone and elevated diction to elevate its subject. The poet juxtaposes Alfred's translation of a philosophical text with Chaucer's imaginative storytelling, highlighting the distinct realms of Truth and Fiction that each king ruled. The volta occurs in the ninth line, shifting the focus from the individual achievements of the two monarchs to the question of their lasting impact. The final couplet poses a rhetorical question, emphasizing the challenge and the possibility for future generations to inherit and perpetuate the brilliance of these literary ancestors. The rich imagery, particularly the concept of vanquished hands stumbling upon unfinished pages, underscores the daunting task of following in their footsteps. This poem suggests that the true measure of legacy lies not in mere imitation but in the ability to carry forward the torch of literary excellence in a meaningful and original way.

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.