The Convert

By Gilbert Keith Chesterton

Sonnet
    After one moment when I bowed my head     And the whole world turned over and came upright,     And I came out where the old road shone white,     I walked the ways and heard what all men said,     Forests of tongues, like autumn leaves unshed,     Being not unlovable but strange and light;     Old riddles and new creeds, not in despite     But softly, as men smile about the dead.     The sages have a hundred maps to give     That trace their crawling cosmos like a tree,     They rattle reason out through many a sieve     That stores the sand and lets the gold go free:     And all these things are less than dust to me     Because my name is Lazarus and I live.

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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 poignant exploration of self-discovery and spiritual resurrection, drawing from the biblical story of Lazarus. The tone is contemplative and perhaps a little defiant, as the speaker experiences a profound transformation that allows them to see the world anew, symbolized by the 'old road' shining 'white'.

The poem employs vivid imagery, such as 'Forests of tongues' and 'autumn leaves unshed,' which contribute to its deeply introspective mood. The speaker listens to the world's wisdom ('old riddles and new creeds') and finds it lacking in comparison to their personal revelation—a sentiment reflected in the final, powerful declaration: 'Because my name is Lazarus and I live'.

The poem's structure, primarily composed of rhymed quatrains, helps to underscore the rhythm of thought and feeling. This formal structure contrasts with the speaker's internal upheaval, creating a tension that echoes the poem's exploration of the dichotomy between received wisdom and personal experience. The poem's central conceit, the comparison of the speaker to Lazarus, is a potent symbol of rebirth and new understanding, making the poem a profound meditation on the transformative power of self-knowledge.

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.