Ecclesiastical Sonnets - Part I. - V - Uncertainty

By William Wordsworth

Sonnet
Darkness surrounds us; seeking, we are lost On earth, and still without the light we grope, By many means we hope, but vainly hope, Till heaven-born Wisdom cheers the dismal coast; And though that light, by reason tempest-tossed, May leave us for awhile, yet still in trust We hope to gain it in our holy dust, Where truth is calm, and faith, by trial crossed, Is exercised, yet never fails to gain The rest that lasts for ever, and to bring The everlasting light, the vision clear, To souls that persevere, and never stain The record of their course, and bravely cling To love, and faith, and hope, and holy fear.
Written: 1822-01-01

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Poem Details

Date Written: 1822-01-01
Date Published: 1822-01-01
Language: English
Keywords: Ecclesiastical Sonnets, Reflection, Uncertainty, Faith, Hope
Source: Public Domain Collection
Publisher: W.Wordsworth
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
A sonnet from the Ecclesiastical Sonnets series, where Wordsworth reflects on the uncertainty and darkness that often accompany the human quest for truth. The poem emphasizes the importance of perseverance, faith, and hope in overcoming challenges and ultimately gaining the eternal light of truth.

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.