In An Old Art Gallery

By Ella Wheeler Wilcox

Sonnet
    Before the statue of a giant Hun,     There stood a dwarf, misshapen and uncouth.     His lifted eyes seemed asking:    'Why, in sooth,     Was I not fashioned like this mighty one?     Would God show favour to an older son          Like earthly kings, and beggar without ruth          Another, who sinned only by his youth?     Why should two lives in such divergence run?'     Strange, as he gazed, that from a vanished past          No memories revived of war and strife,         Of misused prowess, and of broken law.     That old Hun's spirit, in the dwarf re-cast,          Lived out the sequence of an earthly life.         IT WAS THE STATUE OF HIMSELF HE SAW!

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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 profound exploration of identity, self-perception, and the human condition. The dwarf, standing before the statue of a giant Hun, is painted as a symbol of perceived inferiority and self-doubt. The dwarf's questioning of divine justice ("Would God show favour to an older son / Like earthly kings, and beggar without ruth / Another, who sinned only by his youth?") underscores a sense of existential angst and discontent with his own form.

The poem's tone is melancholic, reflective, and introspective, resonating with the dwarf's internal struggle. The structure and rhythm of the poem further enhance its pensive mood. The surprise twist in the final line, "IT WAS THE STATUE OF HIMSELF HE SAW!" is a potent use of dramatic irony, revealing that the dwarf's comparison of himself to the statue is a misguided self-evaluation. This twist challenges the reader to reconsider their own perspectives on self worth and judgement. The poem ultimately emphasizes the importance of inner strength over physical form, and the dangers of self-deception and lack of self-awareness.

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.