Youths Agitations

By Matthew Arnold

Sonnet
    When I shall be divorced, some ten years hence,     From this poor present self which I am now;     When youth has done its tedious vain expense     Of passions that for ever ebb and flow;     Shall I not joy youths heats are left behind,     And breathe more happy in an even clime?     Ah no! for then I shall begin to find     A thousand virtues in this hated time.     Then I shall wish its agitations back,     And all its thwarting currents of desire;     Then I shall praise the heat which then I lack,     And call this hurrying fever, generous fire,     And sigh that one thing only has been lent     To youth and age in common discontent

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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 on the passage of time and the shifting perspectives on youth and age. It is richly imbued with a sense of nostalgia and regret, as well as a keen awareness of the transient nature of life. The poet begins by looking forward to a time when the passionate fires of youth have cooled, imagining a calmer existence. However, this anticipation shifts to a recognition of the virtues of youth and a yearning for its vitality and fervor.

The poem's structure and tone are reflective and introspective, using the first-person narrative to create a personal and intimate conversation with the reader. Key literary devices include the use of metaphor and personification to depict youth as a feverish, turbulent time, while age is represented as a more even and calm period. Yet, the poet underscores both stages of life with a common thread of discontent, highlighting the human tendency to idealize the past or the future at the expense of appreciating the present. Thus, the poem is a poignant reminder of the importance of embracing each phase of life with its unique virtues and challenges.

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.