The Better Lot.

By Madison Julius Cawein

Sonnet
    Her life was bound to crutches: pale and bent,     But smiling ever, she would go and come:     For of her soul GOD made an instrument     Of strength and comfort to an humble home.     Better a life of toil and slow disease     That LOVE companions through the patient years,     Than one whose heritage is loveless ease,     That never knows the blessedness of tears.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
The poem is a profound contemplation on the themes of resilience, divine intervention, and the transformative power of love. The protagonist, a figure bound by crutches, is depicted as an emblem of hope and fortitude, carrying a heartening smile despite her physical constraints. The first four lines evoke a sense of underlying optimism and the steadfastness of the human spirit, hinting at divine orchestration in shaping the character's resilience.

The poem's tone is reflective, almost reverential, which is further emphasized by the formal structure of the poem, comprising two quatrains with an ABAB rhyme scheme. The capitalized 'GOD' and 'LOVE' signify their importance in the narrative, while the juxtaposition of 'toil and slow disease' with 'loveless ease' in the second stanza underscores the poet's conviction that hardship, when faced with love, is more rewarding than an effortless existence devoid of emotional depth. The phrase 'blessedness of tears' stands out, portraying tears not as symbols of sorrow, but as cathartic expressions of love and shared experience. This poem effectively uses contrast and paradox to highlight the complexity of human existence and the mystery of divine purpose.

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.