To A Republican Friend, 1848

By Matthew Arnold

Sonnet
    God knows it, I am with you. If to prize     Those virtues, prizd and practisd by too few,     But prizd, but lovd, but eminent in you,     Mans fundamental life: if to despise     The barren optimistic sophistries     Of comfortable moles, whom what they do     Teaches the limit of the just and true     And for such doing have no need of eyes:     If sadness at the long heart-wasting show     Wherein earths great ones are disquieted:     If thoughts, not idle, while before me flow     The armies of the homeless and unfed:     If these are yours, if this is what you are,     Then am I yours, and what you feel, I share

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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 exploration of empathy, solidarity, and shared values. The speaker declares their alignment with the person addressed, rooting it in shared virtues, sentiments, and perspectives. The poem's theme revolves around an appreciation for truth and a disdain for superficiality, as well as a deep concern for the disenfranchised.

The tone is somber yet intimate, creating a profound sense of shared experience and understanding. The structure of the poem, with its intricate rhyme scheme, mirrors the complex intertwining of the speaker’s and the listener's emotions and convictions. The use of enjambment, where sentences and ideas run over the line breaks, enhances the fluidity of thought and sentiment expressed. The poem employs metaphors such as "comfortable moles," symbolizing individuals who remain blissfully ignorant of the harsh realities of life. The reference to "the armies of the homeless and unfed" is a powerful image that underscores the shared social consciousness between the speaker and the addressee. Overall, it is a compelling piece that extols empathy, shared humanity, and the courage to confront harsh truths.

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.