Appreciation

By Ella Wheeler Wilcox

Sonnet
    They prize not most the opulence of June     Who from the year's beginning to its close     Dwell, where unfading verdure tireless grows,     And where sweet summer's harp is kept in tune.     We must have listened to the winter's rune,     And felt impatient longings for the rose,     Ere its full radiance on our vision glows,     Or with its fragrant soul, we can commune.     Not they most prize life's blessings, and delights,     Who walk in safe and sunny paths alway.     But those, who, groping in the darkness, borrow     Pale rays from hope, to lead them through the night,     And in the long, long watches wait for day.     He knows not joy who has not first known sorrow.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem explores the contrasting themes of light and dark, joy and sorrow, as well as the passing of time and the cyclical nature of life. The author suggests that the full appreciation of beauty, happiness, and life's blessings is often heightened by prior experiences of hardship, longing, or sorrow. This is evident in the vivid imagery used in the first stanza, where the poet contrasts the "opulence of June" and "unfading verdure" with listening to "the winter's rune" and longing for the rose.

The poem's structure and rhyme scheme also emphasize its themes. The quatrains and couplets, along with the consistent ABAB rhyme scheme, reflect the cyclical nature of the poem's subjects—seasons, day and night, joy and sorrow. The use of personification in phrases like "summer's harp" and "winter's rune" imbues the seasons with human qualities, enhancing their symbolic significance.

The tone of the poem is contemplative and somewhat melancholic, reflecting on the necessity of struggle and hardship for the full appreciation of life's beauty and joy. The poet ends on a poignant note, stating "He knows not joy who has not first known sorrow," underscoring the poem's central theme. The poem effectively uses imagery, structure, and tonal shifts to elaborate on its themes, making it a rich and thoughtful exploration of human experience.

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.