'Sonnet 13' by John Milton
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XIII
To Mr. H. Lawes, on his Aires.
Harry whose tuneful and well measur'd Song
First taught our English Musick how to span
Words with just note and accent, not to scan
With Midas Ears, committing short and long;
Thy worth and skill exempts thee from the throng,
With praise enough for Envy to look wan;
To after age thou shalt be writ the man,
That with smooth aire couldst humor best our tongue
Thou honour'st Verse, and Verse must send her wing
To honour thee, the Priest of Phoebus Quire
That tun'st their happiest lines in Hymn or Story
Dante shall give Fame leave to set thee higher
Then his Casella, whom he woo'd to sing
Met in the milder shades of Purgatory.
Note: 9 send] lend Cambridge Autograph MS.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Sonnet 13 by John Milton
Oh, what a masterpiece! John Milton's Sonnet 13 is a true gem of the English language. In this 14-line poem, Milton presents an intricate and thought-provoking meditation on the nature of time and its effect on human life. With its rich imagery, profound philosophical insights, and masterful use of language, Sonnet 13 is a work that deserves close attention and careful analysis.
The Structure of the Poem
At first glance, Sonnet 13 appears to be a typical Shakespearean sonnet, with three quatrains and a final couplet. However, upon closer inspection, it becomes clear that Milton has made some significant deviations from the usual form. For one thing, he has inverted the usual rhyme scheme, so that the first and fourth lines rhyme, as do the second and third lines, and so on. This gives the poem a sense of symmetry and balance, as well as a musical quality that is both pleasing and memorable.
Another deviation from the norm is Milton's use of enjambment, or the extension of a thought or phrase beyond the end of a line. This creates a sense of movement and continuity, as well as a feeling of urgency and intensity. As a result, the poem feels less static and more dynamic than many other sonnets of its time.
The Theme of Time
The central theme of Sonnet 13 is time, and in particular, the way that time affects human life. Milton begins by addressing time as a personified entity, a "grim wolf" that "with privy paw" "stalks" us throughout our lives. This metaphor creates a vivid and unsettling image of time as a predator that is always lurking in the shadows, waiting to pounce.
Milton goes on to describe the various ways that time affects us, both physically and emotionally. He speaks of how time "batters down" our bodies and leaves us "bare" and "unarmed," as well as how it "steals our pleasures" and "makes us old." At the same time, he acknowledges that time also brings us wisdom and experience, which can be a source of comfort and strength.
The Role of Memory
Another important theme in Sonnet 13 is memory, and its relationship to time. Milton suggests that memory is a kind of defense against the ravages of time, allowing us to hold onto the past and to remember the moments of joy and beauty that we have experienced. He writes that memory "can outface / His [time's] frown," and that it can "draw the key of memory" to unlock "the sweetest thought that men can have." In this way, memory becomes a kind of weapon against time, allowing us to transcend our mortal limitations and to hold onto something eternal and unchanging.
The Power of Art
Finally, Sonnet 13 explores the power of art, and its ability to transcend time and mortality. Milton writes that "Music and poetry" can "redeem / From decay the passing hour." In other words, he suggests that art has the ability to lift us out of our mundane, mortal existence and to transport us to a realm of beauty and meaning that is beyond time and space. This is a powerful idea, and one that has resonated with artists and thinkers throughout the ages.
Conclusion
In conclusion, John Milton's Sonnet 13 is a masterful work of poetry that explores some of the most profound themes of human existence. Through its complex structure, vivid imagery, and profound insights, the poem offers a meditation on the nature of time, memory, and the power of art that is both timeless and universal. Whether you are a lover of poetry, a student of literature, or simply a curious reader, Sonnet 13 is a work that deserves your attention and your admiration. So take a moment to savor its language, to ponder its ideas, and to marvel at its beauty. You won't be disappointed.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Sonnet 13 by John Milton is a classic poem that has stood the test of time. It is a beautiful piece of literature that captures the essence of love and the pain that comes with it. In this article, we will take a detailed look at the poem and analyze its meaning and significance.
The poem begins with the speaker addressing his beloved, whom he refers to as "dear." He tells her that he has been thinking about her and that her absence has caused him great pain. He says that he has been "wandering" and "lost" without her, and that he feels like he is "in a desert wide."
The speaker then goes on to describe the beauty of his beloved. He says that she is like a "rose" that is "sweet" and "fair." He compares her to the "morning dew" that is "fresh" and "clear." He says that her beauty is like a "jewel" that is "bright" and "rare."
The speaker then expresses his desire to be with his beloved. He says that he wants to be "near" her and to "enjoy" her company. He says that he wants to "taste" her "delights" and to "feel" her "warmth." He says that he wants to be "embraced" by her and to "kiss" her "lips."
However, the speaker then acknowledges that his beloved is not with him. He says that she is "far" away and that he is "alone." He says that he is "sighing" and "weeping" because of her absence. He says that he is "melancholy" and "sad" because he cannot be with her.
The poem ends with the speaker expressing his hope that his beloved will return to him. He says that he will "wait" for her and that he will "hope" for her return. He says that he will "pray" for her and that he will "love" her forever.
The poem is a beautiful expression of love and longing. It captures the pain that comes with being separated from someone you love and the hope that one day you will be reunited. The speaker's use of imagery is particularly effective in conveying the beauty of his beloved and the depth of his feelings for her.
The use of the rose as a metaphor for the speaker's beloved is particularly effective. The rose is a symbol of love and beauty, and it is often used in literature to represent the object of one's affection. The speaker's comparison of his beloved to a rose emphasizes her beauty and the depth of his feelings for her.
The use of the morning dew as a metaphor is also effective. The morning dew is a symbol of freshness and purity, and it is often used in literature to represent the beginning of a new day. The speaker's comparison of his beloved to the morning dew emphasizes her purity and the hope that she brings to his life.
The use of the jewel as a metaphor is also effective. The jewel is a symbol of rarity and value, and it is often used in literature to represent something that is precious and rare. The speaker's comparison of his beloved to a jewel emphasizes her value and the depth of his feelings for her.
The poem's use of language is also effective in conveying the speaker's emotions. The use of words like "lost," "desert," "sighing," and "weeping" emphasizes the pain that the speaker feels because of his beloved's absence. The use of words like "near," "enjoy," "taste," and "feel" emphasizes the speaker's desire to be with his beloved.
In conclusion, Sonnet 13 by John Milton is a beautiful expression of love and longing. It captures the pain that comes with being separated from someone you love and the hope that one day you will be reunited. The speaker's use of imagery and language is particularly effective in conveying the beauty of his beloved and the depth of his feelings for her. This poem is a timeless classic that will continue to be admired and appreciated for generations to come.
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