Euonymos - Sonnets

By Algernon Charles Swinburne

Sonnet
    A year ago red wrath and keen despair     Spake, and the sole word from their darkness sent     Laid low the lord not all omnipotent     Who stood most like a god of all that were     As gods for pride of power, till fire and air     Made earth of all his godhead. Lightning rent     The heart of empires lurid firmament,     And laid the mortal core of manhood bare.     But when the calm crowned head that all revere     For valour higher than that which casts out fear,     Since fear came near it never, comes near death,     Blind murder cowers before it, knowing that here     No braver soul drew bright and queenly breath     Since England wept upon Elizabeth.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem delves into themes of power, mortality, and valor, exploring the transient and often illusory nature of dominance. The first half of the poem presents a once seemingly omnipotent figure, representative perhaps of a political or societal leader, whose power is abruptly stripped away by elemental forces. This imagery suggests the inevitable vulnerability of human authority to the will of nature, underlining the theme of mortality.

The second half of the poem shifts the focus to a revered figure associated with valor and fearlessness. This figure, seemingly on the brink of death, commands respect and incites fear even in the face of "blind murder," suggesting a moral strength superior to physical power. The closing lines pay homage to Elizabeth, presumably Queen Elizabeth I of England, known for her strong rule and resilience. This comparison imbues the figure with a sense of regal courage.

The poem's tone is solemn and contemplative, with a structured rhyme scheme that lends a formal, rhythmic quality to the narrative. The use of metaphors, such as "fire and air" and "the heart of empires," is striking, painting vivid pictures of grandeur and destruction. These, along with phrases like "calm crowned head" and "bright and queenly breath," serve to create a stark contrast between the two figures presented, highlighting the poem's exploration of different forms of power and valor.

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.