Bismarck at Canossa - Sonnets

By Algernon Charles Swinburne

Sonnet
    Not all disgraced, in that Italian town,     The imperial German cowered beneath thine hand,     Alone indeed imperial Hildebrand,     And felt thy foot and Romes, and felt her frown     And thine, more strong and sovereign than his crown,     Though iron forged its blood-encrusted band.     But now the princely wielder of his land,     For hatreds sake toward freedom, so bows down,     No strength is in the foot to spurn: its tread     Can bruise not now the proud submitted head:     But how much more abased, much lower brought low,     And more intolerably humiliated,     The neck submissive of the prosperous foe,     Than his whom scorn saw shuddering in the snow!

Share & Analyze This Poem

Spread the beauty of poetry or dive deeper into analysis

Analyze This Poem

Discover the literary devices, structure, and deeper meaning

Create Image

Transform this poem into a beautiful shareable image

Copy to Clipboard

Save this poem for personal use or sharing offline

Share the Love of Poetry
More Poems
More Sonnets
Daily Poem

Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem is a powerful exploration of themes of power, submission, and humiliation. It specifically focuses on the shifting dynamics between powerholders — hailing from Germany and Rome — and the impact of these shifts on their pride and dignity. The poem is set in an Italian town, which provides a historical and geographical context for the narrative.

The poet employs vivid imagery and harsh language to convey the raw emotions of the characters involved. Terms like "cowered," "blood-encrusted," and "shuddering" create a sense of fear and subjugation. A notable literary device used is personification, which brings a sense of realism and immediacy to the events. The crown, for instance, is described as having a band forged of iron and blood, symbolizing the violence and force that underpin power.

The poem's structure follows a rhymed iambic pentameter, which gives it a rhythmic consistency. This rhythm lends a sense of inevitability and continuity, mirroring the ongoing power struggle conveyed in the narrative. The tone is solemn and grave, further emphasizing the seriousness of the themes.

In conclusion, this poem is a deep dive into the nature of power and humiliation. It uses vivid imagery, personification, a rhythmic structure, and a solemn tone to paint a compelling picture of power dynamics and their impact on human dignity.

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.