On Resigning A Scholarship Of Trinity College, Oxford, And Retiring To A Country Curacy

By William Lisle Bowles

Sonnet
    Farewell! a long farewell! O Poverty,     Affection's fondest dream how hast thou reft!     But though, on thy stern brow no trace is left     Of youthful joys, that on the cold heart die,     With thee a sad companionship I seek,     Content, if poor; for patient wretchedness,     Tearful, but uncomplaining of distress,     Who turns to the rude storm her faded cheek;     And Piety, who never told her wrong;     And calm Content, whose griefs no more rebel;     And Genius, warbling sweet, his saddest song,     When evening listens to some village knell,     Long banished from the world's insulting throng;     With thee, and thy unfriended children dwell.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
The poem captures a poignant exploration of life's hardships, particularly poverty, and the human spirit's resilience in the face of adversity. It exudes a somber yet defiant tone, mirroring the speaker's emotional state. The theme of poverty is salient, but it is couched within the broader theme of human endurance and the inherent dignity that one can maintain despite unfortunate circumstances. The speaker's farewell to poverty is not filled with relief but rather a mournful acceptance of its impact on their life.

The structure is ordered and rhythmical, reflecting traditional poetic forms. This choice suggests a sense of control and stability even amidst the turmoil of the subject matter. Literary devices such as personification are used strategically to animate abstract concepts such as Poverty, Piety, and Content, making the poem's emotional landscape more tangible. For instance, Poverty is presented with 'stern brow,' and 'Content' is depicted as someone 'whose griefs no more rebel.' This technique imbues these concepts with a degree of paradoxical comfort, presenting them as familiar companions rather than impersonal forces. The final lines encapsulate this sense of acceptance and companionship, suggesting that the speaker has found solace and understanding in their hardship, thereby transforming their struggle into a source of strength.

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.