To The Duke Of Wellington

By Matthew Arnold

Sonnet
    Because thou hast believd, the wheels of life     Stand never idle, but go always round:     Not by their hands, who vex the patient ground,     Movd only; but by genius, in the strife     Of all its chafing torrents after thaw,     Urgd; and to feed whose movement, spinning sand,     The feeble sons of pleasure set their hand:     And, in this vision of the general law,     Hast labourd with the foremost, hast become     Laborious, persevering, serious, firm;     For this, thy track, across the fretful foam     Of vehement actions without scope or term,     Calld History, keeps a splendour: due to wit,     Which saw one clue to life, and followd it

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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 contemplation of the human condition, particularly the ceaseless forward motion of life and the pursuit of purpose. The first four lines introduce the theme of life's inexorable movement - a wheel that is always turning, not just by physical labor, but also by the power of human intellect and creativity. The use of imagery, such as "chafing torrents after thaw" and "spinning sand," emphasizes the relentless, often turbulent, nature of existence.

The poet then shifts focus to praise the diligent and serious individuals who have managed to find their purpose in life and pursued it with steadfast determination. The phrase "Calld History" suggests the grandeur and significance of human actions that have scope and meaning. The poem ends with an ode to the power of wisdom, symbolized by the "wit" that found the one clue to life. The tone throughout is serious, thoughtful, and slightly elegiac, capturing the struggle, triumph, and ultimate nobility of the human endeavor. The use of enjambment, where sentences and phrases spill over from one line to the next, contributes to the sense of continuous motion and the cyclical nature of life. Overall, this poem is a profound exploration of life's purpose and the human capacity for resilience, determination, and wisdom.

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.