Ecclesiastical Sonnets - Part I. - XII - Monastery Of Old Bangor

By William Wordsworth

Sonnet
Where that high sway the Man of God had given, Who brought the standard of the Cross to bear On Albion’s heights, a thousand pious souls Sustained by Heaven’s own light and ardent zeal, Their mansion chose in Bangor’s ancient fane. Then the wild hills re-echoed to their voice, And the long-suffering Britons, at the cry Of their great Teacher, raised their humble shrines In those sequestered vales, where solitude Best serves the peace, that ’mid the holy scene, Now uttered solemn, and now breathed in song, Was cherished by their simple piety.
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, Monastery, Bangor, Piety
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 establishment of the monastery at Old Bangor. The poem celebrates the piety and devotion of the monks who chose to live in seclusion, spreading the light of Christianity and fostering peace and holiness in the solitude of the Welsh hills.

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.