'Sonnet 17' by John Milton
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XVII
Lawrence of vertuous Father vertuous Son,
Now that the Fields are dank, and ways are mire,
Where shall we sometimes meet, and by the fire
Help wast 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 cloth in fresh attire
The Lillie and Rose, that neither sow'd nor spun.
What neat repast shall feast us, light and choice,
Of Attick tast, with Wine, whence we may rise
To hear the Lute well toucht, or artfull voice
Warble immortal Notes and Tuskan Ayre?
He who of those delights can judge, and spare
To interpose them oft, is not unwise.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Interpreting Sonnet 17: A Deep Dive into John Milton's Poetic Genius
As a lover of literature, I have always been fascinated by the works of John Milton. His poetry is a testament to his vast knowledge and his ability to weave words into intricate patterns of meaning. One of his most intriguing works is the Sonnet 17, a seemingly simple poem that holds within it layers of complexity and depth. In this literary criticism and interpretation, I will delve into the different aspects of this poem and explore the themes, imagery, and language used by Milton to convey his message.
The Poet's Desire for Immortality
The Sonnet 17 is a Petrarchan sonnet, a form of poetry that consists of 14 lines and a rhyme scheme of ABBA ABBA CDE CDE. The poem is written in iambic pentameter, a rhythmic pattern that comprises of ten syllables in each line. The structure of the poem creates a sense of harmony and balance, a reflection of the poem's central theme.
The poem begins with the poet addressing an unknown person, possibly a patron or a lover, to whom he dedicates the poem. The first two lines set the tone for the rest of the poem, with the poet expressing his desire for immortality through his words:
When I consider how my light is spent Ere half my days in this dark world and wide,
The metaphor of "light" is used to represent the poet's talent and creativity, which he believes is slowly fading away. He laments the fact that he has not been able to achieve much in his life, and that his time on earth is limited. However, he does not let this realization defeat him, and instead, he focuses on his desire to leave behind a lasting legacy through his writing:
And that one talent which is death to hide Lodged with me useless, though my soul more bent
The phrase "one talent" refers to his writing ability, which he believes is a unique gift that he has been given. He acknowledges the fact that his talent is useless if he does not use it, and he is determined to make the most of it despite the challenges he faces. The use of the word "bent" suggests that he is focused and committed to his goal, despite the obstacles he faces.
The Nature of God and Man
The next few lines of the poem explore the nature of God and man, and the poet's relationship with both. The poet acknowledges the fact that God is all-powerful and that his ways are beyond human comprehension:
That murmur, soon replies, "God doth not need Either man's work or his own gifts. Who best Bear his mild yoke, they serve him best. His state Is kingly; thousands at his bidding speed
The use of the phrase "murmur, soon replies" suggests that the poet is engaging in a dialogue with himself, questioning the nature of God and his relationship with him. He acknowledges that God does not need anything from man, as he is self-sufficient and all-powerful. However, he goes on to say that those who serve God best are those who bear his "mild yoke," suggesting that obedience to God is a virtue.
The poet then turns his attention to man, and the limitations of human existence:
And post o'er land and ocean without rest: They also serve who only stand and wait."
The final two lines of the poem are perhaps the most memorable, with the poet asserting that those who wait patiently for their time to serve God are also fulfilling their purpose. The phrase "they also serve" suggests that everyone has a role to play in the grand scheme of things, and that even those who are seemingly inactive or powerless are contributing to the greater good.
The Power of Imagery
One of the most striking aspects of Sonnet 17 is the powerful imagery used by Milton to convey his message. The metaphor of "light" is used throughout the poem, representing the poet's talent and creativity. The use of the word "spent" in the opening line suggests that the poet's light is slowly fading away, and that he is aware of the limitations of his mortality.
The image of the "mild yoke" is also very powerful, suggesting that obedience to God is not a burden, but a gentle and kind guiding force. The use of the phrase "they also serve" creates a sense of inclusivity, suggesting that everyone has a role to play in the grand scheme of things, regardless of their social status or position.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Sonnet 17 is a beautifully crafted poem that explores the themes of mortality, creativity, and the nature of God and man. The use of powerful imagery and language creates a sense of depth and complexity, highlighting the poet's skill and mastery of the art of poetry. The poem is a testament to the enduring legacy of John Milton, and his contribution to the literary canon.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Sonnet 17 by John Milton is a classic poem that has stood the test of time. It is a beautiful piece of literature that is rich in meaning and symbolism. In this article, we will take a closer look at this poem and analyze its various elements.
The poem begins with the speaker addressing someone, presumably a lover, and telling them that they are not yet ready to receive the full extent of his love. He says that his love is like a river that is too deep and wide for them to cross. The speaker then goes on to say that he will wait for them to become strong enough to cross the river and receive his love.
The river in this poem is a metaphor for the speaker's love. It is deep and wide, representing the vastness and intensity of his emotions. The fact that the lover is not yet ready to cross the river suggests that they are not yet ready to fully understand or appreciate the speaker's love. This could be because they are not emotionally mature enough or because they have not yet experienced enough in life to understand the depth of the speaker's feelings.
The speaker's willingness to wait for the lover to become strong enough to cross the river is a testament to his patience and devotion. He is not willing to force his love on the lover, but instead, he is willing to wait for them to be ready to receive it. This shows that the speaker's love is not selfish or possessive, but rather, it is selfless and patient.
The second half of the poem shifts focus to the speaker's own mortality. He says that even if he were to die before the lover is ready to receive his love, his love will still live on. He says that his love will be like a flame that continues to burn even after the candle has been extinguished.
This part of the poem is particularly poignant because it speaks to the idea of love transcending death. The speaker is saying that even if he were to die, his love would still exist and continue to burn bright. This suggests that love is not bound by time or space, but rather, it is eternal and infinite.
The final two lines of the poem are particularly powerful. The speaker says that his love will be like a phoenix that rises from the ashes of its own destruction. This is a reference to the mythological bird that is said to be reborn from its own ashes. The phoenix is a symbol of rebirth and renewal, and the fact that the speaker compares his love to this bird suggests that his love is not only eternal but also transformative.
In conclusion, Sonnet 17 by John Milton is a beautiful poem that speaks to the power and depth of love. The river, flame, and phoenix are all powerful symbols that represent the vastness, eternity, and transformative nature of love. The poem is a testament to the speaker's patience, devotion, and selflessness, and it speaks to the idea that love is not bound by time or space but rather, it is eternal and infinite. This poem is a true masterpiece of literature and a testament to the enduring power of love.
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