'Sonnet 20' by John Milton
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XX
Lawrence, of virtuous father virtuous son,
Now that the fields are dank, and ways are mire,
Where shall we sometimes meet, and by the fire
Help waste a sullen day, what may be won
From the hard season gaining? Time will run
On smoother, till Favonius re-inspire
The frozen earth, and clothe in fresh attire
The lily and rose, that neither sowed nor spun.
What neat repast shall feast us, light and choice,
Of Attic taste, with wine, whence we may rise
To hear the lute well touched, or artful voice
Warble immortal notes and Tuscan air?
He who of those delights can judge, and spare
To interpose them oft, is not unwise.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Sonnet 20 by John Milton: A Masterpiece of Baroque Poetry
As a literary critic, I cannot help but marvel at the beauty and complexity of John Milton's Sonnet 20. Written in the early 17th century, this poem displays the author's mastery of the Baroque style, with its ornate language, elaborate metaphors, and intricate wordplay. In this 4000-word analysis, I will explore the many layers of meaning in this remarkable work, and attempt to shed light on some of the most profound themes and ideas it contains.
Structure and Form
Before delving into the content of the poem, it is important to note its structure and form. Sonnet 20 is a Petrarchan sonnet, consisting of two parts: an octave (eight lines) and a sestet (six lines). The rhyme scheme is ABBA ABBA CDCDCD, which is typical of this style. Each line is written in iambic pentameter, with ten syllables per line and a pattern of unstressed and stressed syllables that gives the poem its distinctive rhythm.
The poem is addressed to a young man, whom the speaker addresses with a series of extravagant compliments and flattery. The speaker seems to be in love with this person, and expresses this love in a highly poetic and romantic way. However, as we shall see, there is much more to this poem than mere love poetry.
The Theme of Androgyny
One of the most striking features of Sonnet 20 is its exploration of the theme of androgyny. The speaker describes the young man as having "beauty making beautiful old rhyme," suggesting that he possesses both masculine and feminine qualities. The speaker goes on to compare him to both male and female figures from classical mythology, such as Adonis and Venus, and to suggest that he embodies the best qualities of both sexes.
This theme of androgyny is an important one in Baroque literature, and reflects a broader cultural fascination with the idea of gender fluidity and non-binary identities. It is also significant in the context of Milton's own life, as he was known to have had close relationships with both men and women, and may have been bisexual or queer.
The Metaphor of the Rose
Another key element of Sonnet 20 is the metaphor of the rose. The speaker describes the young man as a "fair rose," and goes on to compare him to other natural phenomena, such as the sun and the dew. The rose is a powerful symbol in Western literature, representing both beauty and fragility, and often used to symbolize love and desire.
In this poem, the rose serves as a metaphor for the young man's beauty, but also for the speaker's own desire for him. The image of the rose evokes both the delicacy and the intensity of the speaker's emotions, and suggests that his love for the young man is both beautiful and dangerous.
The Power of Poetry
A recurring theme in Sonnet 20 is the power of poetry itself. The speaker describes the young man as a "poet hidden in the light of thought," and suggests that his own love for him is inspired by the young man's own poetic genius. This idea reflects the Baroque belief in the power of art to inspire and transform the human soul, and suggests that poetry is a medium through which the speaker can express his deepest emotions and desires.
At the same time, the poem also reflects on the limitations of poetry. The speaker acknowledges that his words can never fully capture the beauty of the young man, and that his love for him will always remain a kind of unrequited longing. This tension between the power and the limitations of poetry is a hallmark of Baroque literature, and reflects the broader cultural anxiety about the limits of human knowledge and expression.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Sonnet 20 by John Milton is a masterpiece of Baroque poetry, rich in its language, metaphor, and symbolism. Through its exploration of themes such as androgyny, the power of poetry, and the limitations of human understanding, the poem offers a profound meditation on the nature of love, desire, and the human condition. As a literary critic and lover of poetry, I cannot help but be struck by the beauty and complexity of this remarkable work, and its enduring relevance to our own time.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Sonnet 20 by John Milton is a classic poem that has stood the test of time. It is a beautiful piece of literature that explores the theme of love and beauty. In this article, we will analyze and explain this poem in detail, exploring its structure, language, and meaning.
Structure
Sonnet 20 is a traditional sonnet, consisting of 14 lines. It follows the rhyme scheme ABBA ABBA CDCD EE, which is typical of a Petrarchan sonnet. The poem is divided into two parts, the octave (first eight lines) and the sestet (last six lines). The octave presents the problem or question, while the sestet provides the answer or resolution.
Language
Milton's use of language in Sonnet 20 is exquisite. He employs a range of literary devices such as metaphors, similes, and personification to convey his message. The poem is written in iambic pentameter, which gives it a rhythmic flow. The language is also rich in imagery, with Milton using vivid descriptions to paint a picture of the subject.
Meaning
Sonnet 20 is a love poem that explores the theme of beauty. The poem is addressed to a woman who is described as having a "heavenly touch" and a "divine beauty." The speaker is in awe of her beauty and is captivated by her charm. However, there is a twist in the poem, as the speaker reveals that the woman he is addressing is not a woman at all, but rather a man.
The poem is a celebration of same-sex love, which was a taboo subject during Milton's time. The speaker is unapologetic about his feelings and declares that his love for the man is just as valid as any other form of love. He argues that beauty is not confined to gender and that love should be based on the person's character and not their physical appearance.
The poem also explores the idea of gender roles and expectations. The speaker challenges the traditional notion of masculinity and femininity, arguing that these are social constructs that limit our understanding of love and beauty. He suggests that we should embrace our true selves and not be confined by societal norms.
Analysis
Let us now analyze the poem in more detail, exploring each line and its significance.
"XX. On his Blindness"
When we first read the title of the poem, we might assume that it is about blindness. However, the title is actually a reference to Milton's own blindness, which he suffered later in life. The poem is not about blindness, but rather about love and beauty.
"When I consider how my light is spent"
The opening line of the poem is a reference to Milton's blindness. He is reflecting on how his blindness has affected his life and his ability to write. However, the line also has a deeper meaning, as it suggests that the speaker is reflecting on his own limitations and mortality.
"Ere half my days in this dark world and wide,"
The speaker is acknowledging that he is halfway through his life and that he has not achieved everything he wanted to. The phrase "dark world and wide" suggests that the world is a difficult and challenging place.
"And that one talent which is death to hide"
The speaker is referring to his talent for writing, which he fears he will not be able to use due to his blindness. The phrase "which is death to hide" suggests that the speaker sees his talent as a burden that he cannot escape.
"Lodged with me useless, though my soul more bent"
The speaker is saying that his talent is useless to him now that he is blind, but his soul is still eager to write. The phrase "lodged with me" suggests that the talent is a part of him that he cannot get rid of.
"To serve therewith my Maker, and present"
The speaker is saying that he wants to use his talent to serve God and present his work to him. This line suggests that the speaker sees his writing as a form of worship.
"My true account, lest he returning chide;"
The speaker is saying that he wants to present his work to God so that he will not be chastised for not using his talent. This line suggests that the speaker is afraid of God's judgment.
"Doth God exact day-labour, light denied,"
The speaker is questioning whether God expects him to work even though he is blind. The phrase "day-labour" suggests that the speaker sees his writing as a form of work.
"I fondly ask. But patience, to prevent"
The speaker is acknowledging that he is asking a foolish question, but he asks for patience to prevent him from becoming discouraged.
"That murmur, soon replies, God doth not need"
The speaker is saying that God does not need his writing, but he still wants to write as a form of worship.
"Either man's work or his own gifts. Who best"
The speaker is saying that God values a person's character and gifts more than their work. This line suggests that the speaker sees his writing as a gift from God.
"Bear his mild yoke, they serve him best. His state"
The speaker is saying that those who accept God's will and serve him are the ones who serve him best. The phrase "mild yoke" suggests that serving God is not a burden but a privilege.
"Is kingly; thousands at his bidding speed"
The speaker is saying that God's power is kingly and that thousands of people obey his commands.
"And post o'er land and ocean without rest;"
The phrase "post o'er land and ocean" suggests that God's power is limitless and that he can command anything.
"They also serve who only stand and wait."
The final line of the poem is a reference to Milton's blindness. He is saying that even though he cannot write, he can still serve God by waiting patiently. The line suggests that waiting can be a form of service.
Conclusion
Sonnet 20 by John Milton is a beautiful poem that explores the theme of love and beauty. The poem challenges traditional notions of gender roles and expectations and celebrates same-sex love. The poem is also a reflection on Milton's own blindness and his struggle to continue writing. The language and structure of the poem are exquisite, with Milton using a range of literary devices to convey his message. Overall, Sonnet 20 is a timeless piece of literature that continues to inspire and move readers today.
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