Attainment

By Ella Wheeler Wilcox

Sonnet
    Use all your hidden forces.    Do not miss     The purpose of this life, and do not wait     For circumstance to mould or change your fate;     In your own self lies Destiny.    Let this     Vast truth cast out all fear, all prejudice,     All hesitation.    Know that you are great,     Great with divinity.    So dominate     Environment, and enter into bliss.     Love largely and hate nothing.    Hold no aim     That does not chord with universal good.     Hear what the voices of the Silence say -     All joys are yours if you put forth your claim.     Once let the spiritual laws be understood,     Material things must answer and obey.

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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 powerful exploration of self-empowerment, destiny, and the interplay between spiritual and material worlds. The poet encourages the reader to tap into their inner potential and take control of their destiny, stressing the importance of self-reliance and the rejection of fear and prejudice. The idea that one's destiny lies within oneself is a central theme, suggesting a belief in the power of the individual spirit and the potential for personal transformation.

The poem's tone is uplifting and inspiring, conveying a message of positivity and resilience. Structurally, the poem is composed in the traditional sonnet form, with its tight rhyme scheme and meter providing a rhythmic flow that underscores its motivational message. The use of direct address engages the reader, making the poem's message feel personal and immediate. Noteworthy is the poet's use of the phrase "hidden forces," which suggests a mystical or spiritual element to the individual's untapped potential. The poem ends with a striking juxtaposition between spiritual laws and material things, implying a hierarchy where the spiritual transcends and commands the material. This serves to emphasize the poem's overarching theme of personal empowerment, reinforcing the idea that understanding one's inner spiritual laws can lead to mastery over one's environment.

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.