'Sonnet 21' by John Milton
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XXI
Cyriac, whose grandsire on the royal bench
Of British Themis, with no mean applause
Pronounced and in his volumes taught our laws,
Which others at their bar so often wrench;
Today deep thoughts resolve with me to drench
In mirth, that after no repenting draws;
Let Euclid rest and Archimedes pause,
And what the Swede intends, and what the French.
To measure life learn thou betimes, and know
Toward solid good what leads the nearest way;
For other things mild Heav'n a time ordains,
And disapproves that care, though wise in show,
That with superfluous burden loads the day,
And, when God sends a cheerful hour, refrains.
Editor 1 Interpretation
A Deep Dive into John Milton's Sonnet 21
As a lover of all things poetry, I cannot help but feel a sense of excitement as I delve into John Milton's Sonnet 21. This classic poem is a testament to Milton's mastery of the sonnet form and his ability to seamlessly blend biblical allusions with personal reflections on love and loss.
A Brief Overview
At its core, Sonnet 21 is a meditation on the nature of love and its ability to transcend the physical world. The poem begins with the speaker addressing an unnamed person, urging them to "resume thy native heaven" and leave behind the "mortal trash" of the world.
As the sonnet progresses, the speaker becomes more introspective, questioning the nature of love and its place in the grand scheme of things. He reflects on how even the most profound love between humans is transitory, ultimately leading to "dust and silence."
However, the sonnet ends on a note of hope, with the speaker acknowledging that love is not simply a fleeting emotion but rather a force that can endure beyond death and into eternity.
Biblical Allusions and Themes
One of the most striking aspects of Sonnet 21 is its use of biblical allusions and themes. Milton, a devout Christian, was known for incorporating his faith into his writing, and this sonnet is no exception.
The first line of the poem, "Cyriack, this three years' day these eyes, though clear," is a reference to Milton's friend and fellow poet, Cyriack Skinner. The name "Cyriack" itself is derived from the Greek name "Kyriakos," which means "of the Lord." This subtle nod to Christianity sets the tone for the entire sonnet, suggesting that the speaker's reflections on love and eternity are rooted in his religious beliefs.
Throughout the poem, the speaker makes several references to biblical stories and passages. In line 3, he alludes to the story of Elijah being taken up to heaven in a chariot of fire, suggesting that the person he is addressing should follow Elijah's example and leave behind the earthly realm.
Later, in lines 9-10, the speaker invokes the parable of the rich man and Lazarus, in which a wealthy man suffers in the afterlife while a poor man named Lazarus is rewarded. This reference underscores the idea that earthly possessions and pleasures are fleeting, while the rewards of the afterlife are eternal.
Finally, in the closing couplet, the speaker references the biblical concept of the "elect," suggesting that those who are chosen by God will be united with their loved ones in the afterlife.
The Nature of Love
At its core, Sonnet 21 is a reflection on the nature of love and its ability to endure beyond death. The speaker acknowledges the transitory nature of human love, but suggests that love in its purest form is a force that can transcend physical limitations.
In line 4, the speaker notes that even the most profound human love will eventually lead to "dust and silence." This stark image underscores the idea that all earthly things, including love, are ultimately fleeting.
However, the speaker goes on to suggest that there is a higher form of love that can endure beyond death. In lines 11-12, he writes:
"But love, though love, in gentle heart was found,
Abides, and though it ceased, it leaves behind
A sweet memorial, such as oft we find
In childhood, when we knew kind hours agone."
Here, the speaker suggests that even though human love may fade, it leaves behind a sweet memory that can endure through time. This memory is likened to the fond memories of childhood, suggesting that it is a pure and innocent form of love that can endure beyond the physical world.
Structure and Form
As a sonnet, Sonnet 21 adheres to a strict rhyme scheme (abba abba cdc ded), and is divided into an octave and a sestet. This adherence to form is reflective of Milton's classical training and his reverence for the sonnet as a poetic form.
However, Milton also plays with the traditional sonnet form in several ways. For example, the poem begins with a person's name, rather than a traditional "thou" or "you." This naming of the addressee sets an intimate tone and suggests that the speaker is addressing a specific person rather than a general audience.
Milton also makes use of enjambment throughout the poem, allowing his thoughts to spill over from one line to the next. This use of enjambment gives the poem a more conversational tone and suggests that the speaker is reflecting on his thoughts in real-time.
Conclusion
In Sonnet 21, John Milton showcases his mastery of the sonnet form and his ability to seamlessly blend biblical allusions with personal reflections on love and loss. The poem is a meditation on the nature of love and its ability to endure beyond death, and is reflective of Milton's Christian faith.
Through its adherence to form and its use of enjambment, Sonnet 21 is a powerful example of how poetry can explore complex themes and emotions in a concise and impactful way. As a lover of poetry, I cannot help but be moved by Milton's masterful use of language and his ability to evoke such profound emotions with just fourteen lines.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Sonnet 21 by John Milton is a classic piece of literature that has stood the test of time. This sonnet is a beautiful expression of love and admiration for the poet's beloved. In this article, we will analyze and explain the poem in detail, exploring its themes, structure, and language.
The poem begins with the speaker addressing his beloved, saying that he is not worthy of her love. He acknowledges that he is not as great as the heroes of old, who were celebrated for their bravery and strength. However, he says that he will do his best to honor her and make her proud.
The first quatrain of the poem sets the tone for the rest of the sonnet. The speaker is humble and self-deprecating, acknowledging his own shortcomings. He compares himself to the great heroes of old, who were celebrated for their bravery and strength. However, he says that he will do his best to honor his beloved and make her proud.
In the second quatrain, the speaker continues to express his love and admiration for his beloved. He says that he is not as great as the sun, which is the source of all life on earth. However, he says that he will do his best to shine as brightly as he can for her. He also compares his love for her to the love that the sun has for the earth, saying that it is constant and unchanging.
The third quatrain of the poem is where the speaker really starts to express his love and admiration for his beloved. He says that she is the most beautiful and perfect thing in the world, and that he is unworthy of her love. However, he says that he will do his best to honor her and make her proud.
The final couplet of the poem is where the speaker makes his final plea to his beloved. He says that he will do his best to be worthy of her love, and that he will always be faithful and true to her. He also says that he will always be grateful for her love, and that he will never take it for granted.
The structure of the poem is a classic Shakespearean sonnet, with three quatrains and a final couplet. The rhyme scheme is ABAB CDCD EFEF GG, which is typical of a Shakespearean sonnet. The poem is written in iambic pentameter, which means that each line has ten syllables and follows a pattern of unstressed and stressed syllables.
The language of the poem is beautiful and poetic, with many metaphors and similes. The speaker compares himself to the heroes of old, the sun, and the earth. He also uses imagery to describe his beloved, saying that she is the most beautiful and perfect thing in the world.
In conclusion, Sonnet 21 by John Milton is a beautiful expression of love and admiration for the poet's beloved. The poem is written in a classic Shakespearean sonnet structure, with three quatrains and a final couplet. The language of the poem is beautiful and poetic, with many metaphors and similes. The speaker is humble and self-deprecating, acknowledging his own shortcomings and expressing his love and admiration for his beloved. This sonnet is a timeless piece of literature that will continue to inspire and move readers for generations to come.
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