A Choice

Author: Algernon Charles Swinburne

    Faith is the spirit that makes man's body and blood
    Sacred, to crown when life and death have ceased
    His heavenward head for high fame's holy feast;
    But as one swordstroke swift as wizard's rod
    Made Caesar carrion and made Brutus God,
    Faith false or true, born patriot or born priest,
    Smites into semblance or of man or beast
    The soul that feeds on clean or unclean food.
    Lo here the faith that lives on its own light,
    Visible music; and lo there, the foul
    Shape without shape, the harpy throat and howl.
    Sword of the spirit of man! arise and smite,
    And sheer through throat and claw and maw and tongue
    Kill the beast faith that lives on its own dung.
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Type of Poem: Sonnet

Date Written:

Date Published:

Language: English

Keywords: Public Domain

Source: Public Domain Collection

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Rights/Permissions: Public Domain

Comments/Notes: The poem in question delves into the profound exploration of faith, its duality, and its impact on the human spirit. The tone is contemplative and carries a sense of gravitas, underscoring the weightiness of the subject matter. The author portrays faith as a double-edged sword, capable of elevating man to a divine status or reducing him to a beast-like existence, depending on whether the faith is born from true patriotism or priesthood, or fed on clean or unclean food.

The structure of the poem, with its intricate rhyming scheme, enhances the complex philosophical dialogue it embodies. There's a clear use of metaphor, particularly in the references to 'visible music' and 'beast faith', and the striking imagery of the 'swordstroke' and the 'harpy throat and howl' intensifies the overall vividness of the poem. The decisive call to action in the concluding lines indicates the poet's stand, urging the spirit of man to rise and eliminate the destructive, beastly form of faith. The analysis of faith, the compelling imagery, and the strong moral exhortation contribute to the poem's overall depth and resonance.

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.