Bereavement

By William Lisle Bowles

Sonnet
    Whose was that gentle voice, that, whispering sweet,     Promised methought long days of bliss sincere!     Soothing it stole on my deluded ear,     Most like soft music, that might sometimes cheat     Thoughts dark and drooping! 'Twas the voice of Hope.     Of love, and social scenes, it seemed to speak,     Of truth, of friendship, of affection meek;     That, oh! poor friend, might to life's downward slope     Lead us in peace, and bless our latest hours.     Ah me! the prospect saddened as she sung;     Loud on my startled ear the death-bell rung;     Chill darkness wrapt the pleasurable bowers,     Whilst Horror, pointing to yon breathless clay,     "No peace be thine," exclaimed, "away, away!"

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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 poignant exploration of contrasting themes of hope and despair, life and death, illusion and reality. Its tone is one of melancholy and introspection, capturing the speaker's journey from initial joy and optimism to a stark confrontation with mortality.

The poem begins with the voice of hope promising bliss and happiness, symbolising the speaker's aspirations and dreams. There's a sense of comfort and peace in these opening lines, which evoke the power of music to soothe and deceive. The use of personification here lends a sense of intimacy and immediacy to these abstract concepts.

However, the positive tone gradually shifts as the poem progresses. This change is marked by the sudden intrusion of the death-bell, a potent symbol of the inevitable end that awaits all living beings. The imagery becomes sharper and darker, with pleasurable bowers wrapped in chilling darkness, suggesting a disillusionment with life's promises. The poem ends on a note of bleakness and finality, as the speaker is forcefully reminded of the transient nature of life.

The poet has adeptly used a range of literary devices, including personification, simile, and symbolism, to weave a narrative that is both emotionally resonant and philosophically profound. The poem's structure, a sonnet, adds to its intensity, allowing the poet to concisely capture a complex and deeply human experience.

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.