Ecclesiastical Sonnets - Part II. - VI - Other Benefits

By William Wordsworth

Sonnet
And what melodious sounds at times prevail! And, ever and anon, how bright a gleam Pours on the surface of the turbid stream! What heartfelt praise is yielded to the Vale When Winds, opposing billows, make them sail More briskly through the tempest, soon to seem Like splendours vanished! Such the elevating theme Where, over murmuring streams and glens, the Vale Of St. John rolls a world of ancient joys. The oratory of a hermit’s cell Doubtless some pious hand did frame, and there, While in that darkling nook repose its walls, The Pilgrim may be taught the end to prize Of this sweet life, to all who seek their weal.
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, Benefits, Vale, Pilgrim
Source: Public Domain Collection
Publisher: W.Wordsworth
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
A sonnet from Part II of the Ecclesiastical Sonnets series where Wordsworth reflects on the various benefits provided by nature and spiritual contemplation. The poem describes the uplifting experience of encountering beauty and serenity in the Vale of St. John, where a hermit’s oratory offers a place for pilgrims to reflect on the purpose of life.

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.