To a Republican Friend, 1848 - Continued

Author: Matthew Arnold

    Yet, when I muse on what life is, I seem
    Rather to patience prompted, than that prowl
    Prospect of hope which France proclaims so loud,
    France, famd in all great arts, in none supreme.
    Seeing this Vale, this Earth, whereon we dream,
    Is on all sides oershadowd by the high
    Unoerleapd Mountains of Necessity,
    Sparing us narrower margin than we deem.
    Nor will that day dawn at a human nod,
    When, bursting through the network superposd
    By selfish occupation, plot and plan,
    Lust, avarice, envy liberated man,
    All difference with his fellow man composd,
    Shall be left standing face to face with God
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Type of Poem: Sonnet

Date Written:

Date Published:

Language: English

Keywords: Public Domain

Source: Public Domain Collection

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Rights/Permissions: Public Domain

Comments/Notes: This poem presents a philosophical exploration of life's essence and the human condition, with an overall tone of restrained reflection. The speaker seems to contemplate the limitations of human existence, symbolized by the 'unoerleapd Mountains of Necessity' that overshadow our lives. This image serves as a metaphor for the unavoidable hardships and constraints we face, suggesting a certain resignation and acceptance rather than an active struggle against these forces.

Stylistically, the poem is characterized by a balanced structure and a steady rhythm, contributing to the contemplative mood. The interplay of abstract concepts and tangible imagery is particularly striking, grounding the poem's philosophical musings in concrete, sensory terms. The poet also employs a notable use of personification, attributing human qualities to abstract ideas such as 'patience,' 'hope,' and 'necessity.' This lends emotional depth and relatability to these otherwise intangible notions.

In the closing lines, the poet suggests a longing for a day free from self-interest and negative emotions like 'lust, avarice, envy.' This hope for a pure, unobstructed encounter with the divine underscores the poem's spiritual dimension. However, the speaker acknowledges that such a day won't dawn simply at 'a human nod,' emphasizing the poem's theme of human limitations. It offers a sobering but thoughtful contemplation of the tension between our human desires and the realities of our existence.

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.