In Age

By William Lisle Bowles

Sonnet
    And art thou he, now "fall'n on evil days,"     And changed indeed! Yet what do this sunk cheek,     These thinner locks, and that calm forehead speak!     A spirit reckless of man's blame or praise,     A spirit, when thine eyes to the noon's blaze     Their dark orbs roll in vain, in suffering meek,     As in the sight of God intent to seek,     'Mid solitude or age, or through the ways     Of hard adversity, the approving look     Of its great Master; whilst the conscious pride     Of wisdom, patient and content to brook     All ills to that sole Master's task applied,     Shall show before high heaven the unaltered mind,     Milton, though thou art poor, and old, and blind!

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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 profound exploration of the human spirit and resilience in the face of adversity, specifically focusing on the celebrated figure of John Milton. The theme is presented through the lens of personal transformation and the fortitude of the human spirit, often seen in the face of physical decline and societal disregard. The poet's tone is both melancholic and reverential, capturing Milton's physical deterioration while simultaneously exalting his spiritual strength.

Structurally, the poem follows a sonnet form, which aids in creating a tightly woven argument and emotional trajectory. The octave, or first eight lines, introduces the subject and his predicament, and the sestet, or last six lines, offers a resolution. The transition in the poem's tone, from despair to inspiration, is also marked by this structural shift.

The poet's use of apostrophe, directly addressing the subject as 'Milton', stands out as a powerful literary device. This approach not only personalizes the poem, but also brings a sense of immediacy and connection to the reader. The poet also employs poignant visual imagery, such as the "sunk cheek" and "thinner locks", to emphasize the physical decline in stark contrast to the "unaltered mind" - thereby underscoring the theme of spiritual resilience. The recurring religious undertones, evident in phrases such as "in the sight of God" and "its great Master", further reinforce the idea of a spiritual journey and resilience in the face of worldly 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.