The Common Lot

By Ella Wheeler Wilcox

Sonnet
             It is a common fate - a woman's lot -          To waste on one the riches of her soul,              Who takes the wealth she gives him, but cannot          Repay the interest, and much less the whole.              As I look up into your eyes and wait          For some response to my fond gaze and touch,              It seems to me there is no sadder fate          Than to be doomed to loving overmuch.              Are you not kind? Ah, yes, so very kind -          So thoughtful of my comfort, and so true.              Yes, yes, dear heart; but I, not being blind,          Know that I am not loved as I love you.              One tenderer word, a little longer kiss,          Will fill my soul with music and with song;              And if you seem abstracted, or I miss          The heart-tone from your voice, my world goes wrong.              And oftentimes you think me childish - weak -          When at some thoughtless word the tears will start;              You cannot understand how aught you speak          Has power to stir the depths of my poor heart.              I cannot help it, dear, - I wish I could,          Or feign indifference where I now adore;              For if I seemed to love you less you would,          Manlike, I have no doubt, love me the more.              'Tis a sad gift, that much applauded thing,          A constant heart; for fact doth daily prove              That constancy finds oft a cruel sting,          While fickle natures win the deeper love.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
The poem explores the theme of unrequited love, and more specifically, the sometimes unequal emotional exchanges within relationships, particularly from the woman's perspective. The speaker expresses a profound sense of sadness and frustration as she conveys her deep and unreciprocated feelings for her partner. Her longing is palpable in lines like "One tenderer word, a little longer kiss, / Will fill my soul with music and with song;" suggesting that the smallest gestures of affection would mean the world to her.

The structure of the poem, using a consistent rhyming scheme, contributes to the overall melancholic tone and emphasizes the continuity of her feelings. The refrain of "kind" and "love" throughout the poem tends to highlight the dichotomy between the woman’s deep love and the man's mere kindness, further underscoring the disparity in their emotional investment. The use of phrases like "common fate" and "woman's lot" suggest a broader societal commentary, implying that this emotional imbalance is a widespread phenomenon. The poem's closing lines carry a bitter irony, noting that constancy—often praised—can lead to pain, while fickle natures might receive more love. These lines imply a critique of societal attitudes towards relationships and gender dynamics, making this poem an exploration of not just personal, but also social, emotional landscapes.

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.