Daffodil

By William Allingham

Sonnet
Gold tassel upon March's bugle-horn, Whose blithe reveille blows from hill to hill And every valley rings O Daffodil! What promise for the season newly born? Shall wave on wave of flow'rs, full tide of corn, O'erflow the world, then fruited Autumn fill Hedgerow and garth? Shall tempest, blight, or chill Turn all felicity to scathe and scorn? Tantarrara! the joyous Book of Spring Lies open, writ in blossoms; not a bird Of evil augury is seen or heard: Come now, like Pan's old crew, we'll dance and sing, Or Oberon's: for hill and valley ring To March's bugle-horn, Earth's blood is stirred.

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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 vivid celebration of the arrival of spring, using rich imagery and vibrant tone to convey the anticipation and joy that this season brings. The poet employs a personification of March as a bugler making a reveille call, awakening the world to the arrival of spring. The daffodil - a common symbol for spring and renewal - is highlighted, its presence promising a flood of forthcoming flowers and bountiful crops.

The poem's structure is interesting, moving from questions about the potential blessings or threats of the coming seasons, to a triumphant assertion of spring's arrival. This effectively captures the uncertainty and hope that the change of seasons can bring. The use of alliteration, as in "wave on wave of flow'rs, full tide of corn," adds a rhythmic quality that mirrors the cyclical nature of the seasons.

The poet's use of classical references, specifically to Pan and Oberon, serve to underline the perpetual, almost mythical cycle of renewal that spring represents. The final lines, with the ringing of March's bugle-horn and the stirring of Earth's blood, are particularly potent in emphasizing this sense of awakening and revival. This poem, in essence, is a joyful ode to spring and the potential it holds.

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.