A Dream.

By Ella Wheeler Wilcox

Sonnet
    That was a curious dream; I thought the three         Great planets that are drawing near the sun         With such unerring certainty, begun     To talk together in a mighty glee.     They spoke of vast convulsions which would be         Throughout the solar system - the rare fun         Of watching haughty stars drop, one by one,     And vanish in a seething vapor sea.     I thought I heard them comment on the earth -         That small dark object - doomed beyond a doubt.         They wondered if live creatures moved about     Its tiny surface, deeming it of worth.         And then they laughed - 'twas such a ringing shout     That I awoke and joined too in their mirth.

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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 contemplative exploration of cosmic forces and human insignificance in the grand scheme of the universe. The theme of cosmic indifference is palpable, as the speaker imagines celestial bodies nonchalantly discussing the impending demise of earth. The tone is paradoxically gleeful, juxtaposing the grim subject matter with the planets' apparent mirth at the thought of the earth's destruction. This serves to highlight the vast disconnect between human concerns and the indifferent machinations of the universe.

The poem's structure, divided into two quatrains and two tercets, contributes to its rhythm and pacing. The first quatrain introduces the dream-like scenario while the second delves into its more sinister implications. The tercets then shift the focus to earth and its presumably doomed inhabitants. Notable literary devices include personification, as the planets are given the ability to talk and laugh, and hyperbole, as the earth's destruction is described in grandiose terms. The final line of the poem, wherein the speaker joins the planets' laughter, serves as an ironic twist, further emphasizing the futility of human concerns in the face of cosmic indifference.

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.