West London

By Matthew Arnold

Sonnet
Crouch'd on the pavement close by Belgrave Square A tramp I saw, ill, moody, and tongue-tied; A babe was in her arms, and at her side A girl; their clothes were rags, their feet were bare. Some labouring men, whose work lay somewhere there, Pass'd opposite; she touch'd her girl, who hied Across, and begg'd and came back satisfied. The rich she had let pass with frozen stare. Thought I: Above her state this spirit towers; She will not ask of aliens, but of friends, Of sharers in a common human fate. She turns from that cold succour, which attends The unknown little from the unknowing great, And points us to a better time than ours.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
The poem is a poignant depiction of poverty, class hierarchy, and human resilience. The poet uses stark imagery to portray the harsh reality of a destitute woman and her children. The setting in Belgrave Square, a symbol of affluence, juxtaposed with the family's poverty, underscores the economic divide. The woman's selective begging, her refusal to ask for help from the rich, is both an act of defiance and a commentary on social isolation.

The poet effectively employs literary devices such as personification and metaphor. The 'frozen stare' of the rich personifies their indifference, creating a chilling image that contrasts with the warmth of the 'common human fate' shared by the woman and the laborers. The poem's structure, following a traditional ABAB rhyme scheme, lends a rhythmic flow to the narrative, enhancing its emotional impact. The tone is reflective and empathetic, inviting the reader to contemplate aspects of humanity and societal structures that often go unnoticed. The closing lines suggest a critique of the societal status quo and a yearning for a more compassionate future.

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.