The Passing of the Hawthorn

By Algernon Charles Swinburne

Sonnet
    The coming of the hawthorn brings on earth     Heaven: all the spring speaks out in one sweet word,     And heaven grows gladder, knowing that earth has heard.     Ere half the flowers are jubilant in birth,     The splendour of the laughter of their mirth     Dazzles delight with wonder: man and bird     Rejoice and worship, stilled at heart and stirred     With rapture girt about with awe for girth.     The passing of the hawthorn takes away     Heaven: all the spring falls dumb, and all the soul     Sinks down in man for sorrow. Night and day     Forego the joy that made them one and whole.     The change that falls on every starry spray     Bids, flower by flower, the knell of springtime toll.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem is a rich exploration of the cyclical, ephemeral nature of life, as symbolized by the blooming and wilting of the hawthorn. The tone is both celebratory and melancholic, reflecting the dual nature of existence. The first half of the poem is filled with joy and wonder, presenting the arrival of the hawthorn as a divine affirmation of spring, evoking feelings of awe and jubilation in both man and bird. The structure reflects a tight sonnet form, with the first eight lines (octave) detailing the hawthorn's arrival and the next six lines (sestet) its departure, signifying a clear shift in mood and perspective.

The second half, in contrast, is marked by a sense of loss and sorrow as the hawthorn passes, portraying the inevitable transition from spring to a less vibrant season. This change is not just environmental, but also emotional and spiritual, as it impacts the human soul and the unity of day and night. The poet uses a prominent literary device - personification - to emphasize the effect of this change, giving voice to the spring and attributing human feelings to nature. The final line, with its mention of the "knell of springtime," reinforces the theme of transience, reminding the reader of the fleeting nature of beauty and joy. Overall, the poem serves as a poignant reminder of the fleeting moments of joy in life, and the inevitable sorrow that accompanies their passing.

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.