The Miser

By Madison Julius Cawein

Sonnet
    Withered and gray as winter; gnarled and old,     With bony hands he crouches by the coals;     His beggar's coat is patched and worn in holes;     Rags are his shoes: clutched in his claw-like hold     A chest he hugs wherein he hoards his gold.     Far-heard a bell of midnight slowly tolls:     The bleak blasts shake his hut like wailing souls,     And door and window chatter with the cold.     Nor sleet nor snow he heeds, nor storm nor night.     Let the wind howl! and let the palsy twitch     His rheum-racked limbs! here 's that will make them glow     And warm his heart! here 's comfort joy and light!     How the gold glistens! Rich he is; how rich     Only the death that knocks outside shall know.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem presents a rich narrative, blending the themes of age, poverty, greed, and the inexorable march towards death. The protagonist is a destitute elderly man, withered and gnarled, who hoards gold in his ramshackle dwelling. The poet uses vivid, somber imagery to paint a picture of the man's physical state and harsh living conditions, using metaphors like "bony hands," "beggar's coat," and "claw-like hold" to underscore his decrepitude and desperation.

The tone is melancholic and grim, and there's a certain irony in the man's satisfaction with his hoarded gold despite his dire circumstances. This irony is amplified by the end of the poem when it is hinted that death is imminent, rendering his wealth meaningless. The structure of the poem, a sonnet, contrasts against this bleak narrative, traditionally being a form associated with love and beauty. The use of alliteration and assonance ("gnarled and old," "how the gold glistens") adds a musical quality to the poem, serving to heighten the emotional resonance. In its totality, the poem leaves us with a poignant reminder of the transient nature of life and the futility of material wealth.

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.