Sonnets on English Dramatic Poets (1590-1650): Anonymous Plays: Arden of Feversham

By Algernon Charles Swinburne

Sonnet
    Mother whose womb brought forth our man of men,     Mother of Shakespeare, whom all time acclaims     Queen therefore, sovereign queen of English dames,     Throned higher than sat thy sonless empress then,     Was it thy sons young passion-guided pen     Which drew, reflected from encircling flames,     A figure marked by the earlier of thy names     Wife, and from all her wedded kinswomen     Marked by the sign of murderess? Pale and great,     Great in her grief and sin, but in her death     And anguish of her penitential breath     Greater than all her sin or sin-born fate,     She stands, the holocaust of dark desire,     Clothed round with song for ever as with fire.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem takes as its subject the mother of William Shakespeare, exploring her influence and legacy through potent metaphysical imagery. The tone is reverential, attributing to her a regal status as the "sovereign queen of English dames" due to her role as the playwright's progenitor. The use of the term "queen" emphasizes her significance, placing her on a symbolic throne higher than the "sonless empress".

The poem's structure, a sonnet, is fitting given the connection to Shakespeare, who is renowned for his sonnets. Delving into familial heritage, the poet suggests that, through her son’s "passion-guided pen", the mother's own character is reflected, specifically in one of Shakespeare's most tragic and complex female characters, who is marked by the "sign of murderess". This connection between author, character, and family lineage is a fascinating exploration of the sources of literary inspiration.

The poem also employs a range of striking imagery, from "encircling flames" to the "holocaust of dark desire", adding layers of complexity to the narrative. The concluding line, "Clothed round with song for ever as with fire", encapsulates the immortalizing power of literature, suggesting that through the enduring legacy of Shakespeare's works, his mother too is forever enshrined in a metaphorical flame of reverence and awe.

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.