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By Algernon Charles Swinburne

Sonnet
    The wave that breaks against a forward stroke     Beats not the swimmer back, but thrills him through     With joyous trust to win his way anew     Through stronger seas than first upon him broke     And triumphed. England's iron-tempered oak     Shrank not when Europe's might against her grew     Full, and her sun drank up her foes like dew,     And lion-like from sleep her strength awoke.     As bold in fight as bold in breach of trust     We find our foes, and wonder not to find,     Nor grudge them praise whom honour may not bind;     But loathing more intense than speaks disgust     Heaves England's heart, when scorn is bound to greet     Hunters and hounds whose tongues would lick their feet.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem teems with powerful imagery and metaphors, evoking elements of struggle, resilience, and national pride. The poem's structure follows a Petrarchan sonnet form, with an octave (the first eight lines) and a sestet (the final six lines), which effectively captures two distinct yet interrelated ideas.

The first part of the poem employs a metaphor of a swimmer fighting against the tide, symbolizing an individual or entity's struggle against adversity. The imagery of "England's iron-tempered oak" and a lion awakening from sleep in response to a threat further emphasize strength, resilience, and a sense of national identity. The use of the term "iron-tempered" implies that England's strength has been forged through past trials and tribulations, making it stronger and more formidable.

In the sestet, the tone takes a sharp turn, introducing a critique of those characterized as "bold in breach of trust," suggesting an engagement with treachery or deceit. The vividly emotive language ("loathing more intense than speaks disgust") implies a deep sense of betrayal and scorn. The final metaphor of the "hunters and hounds" who would degrade themselves further emphasizes the moral indignation towards those who lack honour. This blend of national pride and moral critique creates a complex, layered narrative that invites readers to consider the values of resilience, honour, and trust.

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.