A Study From Memory - Sonnets

The poem at hand explores themes of mortality, the passage of time, and the enduring nature of one's spirit or essence. The speaker seems to be contemplating the soul of a departed loved one, asserting their belief in the enduring qualities that made them special, even in the face of death. The overall tone is one of melancholic optimism, a poignant blend of sorrow for the loss and a resolute belief in the enduring nature of the soul.

The structure of the poem, a sonnet, traditionally used for love poems, adds to the contemplative and intimate nature of the text. The poet employs an array of literary devices such as personification ("Time and Pain"), similes ("brighter for the growth of numbered springs"), and metaphors ("a light whence music rang"). The juxtaposition of contrasting ideas, such as "grave-eyed mirth on wings" and "radiant patience, crowned with conquering cheer," serves to underline the complexity and depth of the remembered individual.

The poem is a tribute to a soul that was marked by resilience, cheerfulness, and a unique sweetness and strength that surpassed even the grandest of dreams or deeds. The poet's confident assertion that these qualities "must be," signifies their belief in the persistence of these qualities beyond the physical realm, thus challenging the finality of death. The poem ends on a poignant note, reinforcing the idea that the essence of a person cannot be erased, even in death.