Sonnets on English Dramatic Poets (1590-1650): Thomas Decker

Author: Algernon Charles Swinburne

    Out of the depths of darkling life where sin
    Laughs piteously that sorrow should not know
    Her own ill name, nor woe be counted woe;
    Where hate and craft and lust make drearier din
    Than sounds through dreams that grief holds revel in;
    What charm of joy-bells ringing, streams that flow,
    Winds that blow healing in each note they blow,
    Is this that the outer darkness hears begin?
    O sweetest heart of all thy time save one,
    Star seen for loves sake nearest to the sun,
    Hung lamplike oer a dense and doleful city,
    Not Shakespeares very spirit, howeer more great,
    Than thine toward man was more compassionate,
    Nor gave Christ praise from lips more sweet with pity.
Send via Email Share via WhatsApp Share on X

Type of Poem: Sonnet

Date Written:

Date Published:

Language: English

Keywords: Public Domain

Source: Public Domain Collection

Publisher:

Rights/Permissions: Public Domain

Comments/Notes: This poem is a profound exploration of the human condition, where elements of sin, sorrow, hate, and lust are juxtaposed with the healing power of nature and the redeeming qualities of compassion and love. The poet employs a somber tone, creating a vivid, almost dystopian landscape that embodies human suffering and moral decay. This melancholic setting is contrasted with the 'joy-bells ringing, streams that flow, winds that blow healing,' suggesting a hopeful undertone and revealing the poem's central theme: redemption and the transformative power of love.

The structure of the poem is quite traditional, lending a rhythmic, musical quality to the verse that amplifies the emotive impact. The poet's use of imagery is particularly striking, especially the metaphor of the 'star seen for love's sake nearest to the sun,' which symbolizes a beacon of hope and compassion amidst darkness. Another significant literary device is the direct reference to Shakespeare and Christ, positioning the protagonist's compassion on par with these iconic figures. This serves to elevate the poem's central message, emphasizing the universality and timeless relevance of love and kindness. Overall, the poem is a moving testament to human resilience and the enduring power of empathy.

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.