Montenegro

By Alfred Lord Tennyson

Sonnet
They rose to where their sovran eagle sails, They kept their faith, their freedom, on the height, Chaste, frugal, savage, armd by day and night Against the Turk; whose inroad nowhere scales Their headlong passes, but his footstep fails, And red with blood the Crescent reels from fight Before their dauntless hundreds, in prone flight By thousands down the crags and thro the vales. O smallest among peoples! rough rock-throne Of Freedom! warriors beating back the swarm Of Turkish Islam for five hundred years, Great Tsernogora! never since thine own Black ridges drew the cloud and brake the storm Has breathed a race of mightier mountaineers.

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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 celebration of resilience, freedom, and cultural identity. The prevailing theme here is the indomitable spirit of a people, represented as mountain-dwelling warriors, fiercely defending their freedom against a powerful adversary, symbolized by the "Turk" and "Turkish Islam." The poet's choice to portray the subjects as "mountaineers" suggests a rough, rugged existence, but also speaks to their strength and tenacity.

The tone is one of reverence and admiration, underscored by the poet's use of vivid, martial imagery and grandiose language. The use of the phrase "sovran eagle" and the repeated references to "freedom" reflect a sense of patriotic pride and nationalistic fervor. The structure of the poem, with its regular rhyme scheme and rhythm, lends a sense of order and solidity, mirroring the steadfastness of the subjects.

The poet employs various literary devices to further enrich the poem. Metaphors like "rough rock-throne of Freedom" and "Black ridges drew the cloud and brake the storm" are particularly striking and evoke the harsh, tumultuous environment in which these people thrive. The imagery of the "Crescent reeling from fight" and the "dauntless hundreds" in flight, lends a visual element to the poem, enhancing its dramatic impact. Overall, this poem masterfully encapsulates the spirit of a people bravely upholding their culture and heritage against formidable odds.

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.