The Unpardonable Sin

By Gilbert Keith Chesterton

Sonnet
    I do not cry, beloved, neither curse.     Silence and strength, these two at least are good.     He gave me sun and stars and ought He could,     But not a woman's love; for that is hers.     He sealed her heart from sage and questioner--     Yea, with seven seals, as he has sealed the grave.     And if she give it to a drunken slave,     The Day of Judgment shall not challenge her.     Only this much: if one, deserving well,     Touching your thin young hands and making suit,     Feel not himself a crawling thing, a brute,     Buried and bricked in a forgotten hell;     Prophet and poet be he over sod,     Prince among angels in the highest place,     God help me, I will smite him on the face,     Before the glory of the face of God.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This anonymous poem explores themes of unrequited love, divine justice, and the sovereignty of a woman's heart. The speaker's tone is one of resignation, yet also one of defiance, implying a sense of frustration and helplessness in the face of unrequited love. The poem is built on a sophisticated structure, with a careful balance between its stanzas, and a regular rhythm that underscores the speaker's emotional state.

The poem resorts to several significant literary devices to express its themes. The use of Biblical allusions, such as the "seven seals" and the "Day of Judgment," positions the woman's love as something sacred and untouchable, a divine gift that cannot be questioned or violated. The use of harsh, visceral imagery in phrases like "a drunken slave," "crawling thing," and "buried and bricked in a forgotten hell," serves to underline the speaker's deep sense of anguish and desperation. The ending is particularly striking, with its violent threat against any unworthy suitor; this suggests not only the speaker's fervent devotion to the woman, but also a sense of fierce protectiveness, revealing a complex mix of love, reverence, and rage. In essence, the poem is a passionate plea for the sanctity of a woman's love and a harsh indictment of those who might take it for granted.

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.