To An Independent Preacher

By Matthew Arnold

Sonnet
    In harmony with Nature? Restless fool,     Who with such heat dost preach what were to thee,     When true, the last impossibility;     To be like Nature strong, like Nature cool:     Know, man hath all which Nature hath, but more,     And in that more lie all his hopes of good.     Nature is cruel; man is sick of blood:     Nature is stubborn; man would fain adore:     Nature is fickle; man hath need of rest:     Nature forgives no debt, and fears no grave;     Man would be mild, and with safe conscience blest.     Man must begin, know this, where Nature ends;     Nature and man can never be fast friends.     Fool, if thou canst not pass her, rest her slave

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
The poem presents a striking examination of the complex relationship between man and nature, challenging the romanticized notion of living in harmony with nature. The speaker uses a didactic tone to point out the inherent contrasts between man and nature, emphasizing that the human condition is not only defined by natural existence but extends beyond it.

The structure of the poem reflects this dichotomy, with each quatrain featuring distinct contrasts—nature's strength versus man's weakness, nature's indifference versus man's desire for spiritual meaning, and nature's relentless cycle versus man's need for rest. The poem employs the literary device of personification to characterize nature as cruel, stubborn, and fickle, reinforcing its perceived antagonism towards man's aspirations. The speaker concludes with a stern warning that "Nature and man can never be fast friends," suggesting that any attempt to live wholly according to nature's laws subjugates man to the role of a slave. This poem asserts the importance of human transcendence of nature, encouraging the reader to seek a balance between respecting natural laws and aspiring to humanistic ideals.

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.