A Last Look - Sonnets

By Algernon Charles Swinburne

Sonnet
    Sick of self-love, Malvolio, like an owl     That hoots the sun rerisen where starlight sank,     With German garters crossed athwart thy frank     Stout Scottish legs, men watched thee snarl and scowl,     And boys responsive with reverberate howl     Shrilled, hearing how to thee the springtime stank     And as thine own soul all the world smelt rank     And as thine own thoughts Liberty seemed foul.     Now, for all ill thoughts nursed and ill words given     Not all condemned, not utterly forgiven,     Son of the storm and darkness, pass in peace.     Peace upon earth thou knewest not: now, being dead,     Rest, with nor curse nor blessing on thine head,     Where high-strung hate and strenuous envy cease.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem revolves around the central themes of self-love, forgiveness, and peace, using the character of Malvolio as a focal point. The poet employs a melancholic tone, painting Malvolio as a figure reviled by society, rejecting the beauty of springtime and the concept of liberty. Through vivid imagery and powerful metaphors, the poet likens Malvolio to an owl hooting at the sun, a symbol of wisdom but also of isolation and darkness.

The poem is structured in a single stanza with a consistent rhyme scheme, providing a sense of unity and continuity that mirrors the continuous struggle of Malvolio. The use of different cultural references ("German garters," "Stout Scottish legs") creates a sense of worldly weariness and highlights Malvolio's alienation. This feeling of alienation is further emphasized by the use of sensory language and onomatopoeic words ("snarl," "scowl," "howl"), which contribute to the overall tone of the poem. The final lines bring a sense of resolution, offering Malvolio peace in death, away from the hate and envy of the world. However, there is a deliberate ambiguity about Malvolio's redemption, leaving the reader to ponder on the final judgment of his character.

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.