To a Friend

By Matthew Arnold

Sonnet
Who prop, thou ask'st in these bad days, my mind? He much, the old man, who, clearest-souled of men, Saw The Wide Prospect, and the Asian Fen, And Tmolus hill, and Smyrna bay, though blind. Much he, whose friendship I not long since won, That halting slave, who in Nicopolis Taught Arrian, when Vespasian's brutal son Cleared Rome of what most shamed him. But be his My special thanks, whose even-balanced soul, From first youth tested up to extreme old age, Business could not make dull, nor passion wild; Who saw life steadily, and saw it whole; The mellow glory of the Attic stage, Singer of sweet Colonus, and its child.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem strikes a contemplative tone, grappling with the themes of wisdom, friendship, and the value of balanced perspective. The speaker is evidently seeking solace and guidance in "these bad days", turning to the wisdom of historical figures for sustenance. The poem is marked by references to classical antiquity, such as "The Wide Prospect", "the Asian Fen", "Tmolus hill", and "Smyrna bay". These references, alongside the mention of Vespasian's son and the "singer of sweet Colonus", place the poem in a distinctly ancient context, suggesting a reverence for the wisdom of past ages.

The structure of the poem, composed in tightly controlled quatrains with an ABBA rhyme scheme, lends a sense of order and balance to the poem, a reflection of the "even-balanced soul" praised in the latter half. The poem celebrates those who, despite the trials of life, have managed to keep a level-headed, comprehensive view of the world. This is encapsulated in the line, "Who saw life steadily, and saw it whole." The poem's choice of diction, with its rich, archaic language, enhances the sense of the speaker's reverence for the wisdom of the past. In terms of literary devices, personification stands out, particularly in the depiction of Business and Passion as forces that can make a person "dull" or "wild". This poem, thus, serves as a meditation on the virtues of wisdom, balance, and a measured perspective in the face of adversity.

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.