On the Deaths of Thomas Carlyle - Sonnets

By Algernon Charles Swinburne

Sonnet
    Two souls diverse out of our human sight     Pass, followed one with love and each with wonder:     The stormy sophist with his mouth of thunder,     Clothed with loud words and mantled in the might     Of darkness and magnificence of night;     And one whose eye could smite the night in sunder,     Searching if light or no light were thereunder,     And found in love of loving-kindness light.     Duty divine and Thought with eyes of fire     Still following Righteousness with deep desire     Shone sole and stern before her and above,     Sure stars and sole to steer by; but more sweet     Shone lower the loveliest lamp for earthly feet,     The light of little children, and their love.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem centers on the exploration of two contrasting entities, using rich metaphoric language to depict the dichotomy between them. One is portrayed as a 'stormy sophist' - a figure of darkness, loudness, and thunder - suggesting a tumultuous individual who uses grandiose language, perhaps to mask the absence of true wisdom or warmth. The other is a seeker of light, a figure associated with the virtues of love and kindness, highlighting a more compassionate and authentic essence.

The themes of duty, thought, righteousness, and love are embodied as celestial bodies, providing guidance on the journey of life. This celestial symbolism, combined with the religious undertone of 'duty divine,' suggests the poem's exploration of moral and existential questions. The poem concludes with the poignant image of the 'light of little children, and their love,' which is 'the loveliest lamp for earthly feet.' This suggests the idea that despite the grand concepts of duty and righteousness, the pure, uncomplicated love of children provides the most tangible and comforting guidance in life.

The poem's structure, a single stanza of twelve lines, maintains a steady rhythm and rhyme scheme, enhancing its overall lyrical quality. It uses a rich vocabulary and vivid imagery, creating a deep and thoughtful atmosphere. The poem's tone oscillates between dramatic and contemplative, reflecting its exploration of profound and complex themes.

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.