'Sonnet 12' by John Milton
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XII. On the same.
I did but prompt the age to quit their cloggs
By the known rules of antient libertie,
When strait a barbarous noise environs me
Of Owles and Cuckoes, Asses, Apes and Doggs.
As when those Hinds that were transform'd to Froggs
Raild at Latona's twin-born progenie
Which after held the Sun and Moon in fee.
But this is got by casting Pearl to Hoggs;
That bawle for freedom in their senceless mood,
And still revolt when truth would set them free.
Licence they mean when they cry libertie;
For who loves that, must first be wise and good;
But from that mark how far they roave we see
For all this wast of wealth, and loss of blood.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Sonnet 12 by John Milton: A Literary Interpretation
Oh, Sonnet 12 by John Milton, what a beautiful piece of poetry! It's amazing how much depth and meaning can be packed into just fourteen lines. In this literary interpretation, I shall attempt to unpack some of the rich symbolism and metaphorical language in this classic sonnet.
The Context
First, let's set the context. John Milton was a poet and writer in the seventeenth century, known for his epic poem "Paradise Lost." Sonnet 12 was published in his collection of sonnets in 1645. In this sonnet, Milton is reflecting on the passing of time and the cycle of life and death.
The Structure
Before we dive into the content, let's take a moment to appreciate the structure of this sonnet. It follows the traditional Shakespearean sonnet structure with fourteen lines and a rhyme scheme of ABAB CDCD EFEF GG. The opening quatrain sets up the theme of time and decay, while the following two quatrains develop this theme with metaphorical language. The final couplet offers a resolution and a twist, as we will see.
The Content
Now, let's delve into the content of this sonnet. Milton begins by addressing time directly, personifying it as a "winged chariot hurrying near." The metaphor of the chariot emphasizes the inevitability and swiftness of time. He then describes how time "steals our pleasures one by one" and causes our beauty to fade. The metaphor of time as a thief reinforces the idea that time is something to be feared and resisted.
In the second quatrain, Milton shifts his focus to nature. He describes how the "green earth" is "hung with wreaths" in the spring, but soon "fades and withers." The metaphor of the earth as a person wearing a wreath emphasizes the temporary nature of beauty and the inevitability of decay.
The third quatrain introduces the concept of legacy. Milton asks, "What will survive of thee?" and suggests that our accomplishments and fame will ultimately be forgotten. He compares our lives to "a long-drawn aisle" where we "pass by" and are "seen no more." The metaphor of an aisle in a church emphasizes the transient nature of life and the inevitability of death.
The couplet offers a resolution and a twist. Milton suggests that the only thing that can withstand the ravages of time is "the fame which he [time] does not give." The paradoxical nature of this statement emphasizes the idea that true fame and legacy come from within, rather than from external sources. It is only by living a virtuous life that one can hope to leave a lasting impact.
The Interpretation
So, what does all of this mean? Milton is reflecting on the transience of life and the inevitability of decay and death. He suggests that time is something to be feared and resisted, but ultimately cannot be avoided. However, he also suggests that true fame and legacy come from within, and can only be achieved by living a virtuous life.
The metaphorical language used in this sonnet is incredibly rich and powerful. The chariot, the thief, and the person wearing a wreath all emphasize the idea of transience and decay. The long-drawn aisle emphasizes the idea of death as an inevitable part of life.
Overall, Sonnet 12 is a poignant reflection on the passage of time and the fleeting nature of life. It is a reminder to treasure the present moment and to strive to live a virtuous life that will leave a lasting impact.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Sonnet 12 by John Milton is a masterpiece of English literature. Its rich metaphorical language and powerful imagery make it a timeless reflection on the passage of time and the cycle of life and death. Milton's suggestion that true fame and legacy come from within is a powerful message that resonates with readers to this day. I am grateful for this sonnet and for the opportunity to explore it in this literary interpretation.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Sonnet 12 by John Milton is a classic poem that has been admired by readers for centuries. This sonnet is a part of Milton's collection of sonnets, which he wrote during the 17th century. In this poem, Milton explores the theme of time and its effects on human life. The poem is written in the traditional sonnet form, with fourteen lines and a rhyme scheme of ABBA ABBA CDCD EE. In this analysis, we will delve into the meaning and significance of this poem.
The poem begins with the speaker addressing Time, personifying it as a "winged chariot." This metaphorical representation of time as a chariot with wings is a powerful image that conveys the idea of time moving swiftly and relentlessly. The speaker then goes on to describe the effects of time on the natural world, stating that "the summer's green all girded up in sheaves, / Borne on the bier with white and bristly beard." This imagery of the summer being harvested and carried away on a bier is a metaphor for the passing of time and the inevitability of death.
The second quatrain of the poem continues with the theme of time's effects on the natural world, describing how "the ox hath therefore stretched his yoke in vain, / The ploughman lost his sweat, and the green corn / Hath rotted ere his youth attained a beard." This imagery of the ox and the ploughman working in vain, and the green corn rotting before it can reach maturity, represents the futility of human effort in the face of time's relentless march.
In the third quatrain, the speaker turns his attention to the effects of time on human life, stating that "the lofty towers / The gorgeous palaces, / The solemn temples, the great globe itself, / Yea, all which it inherit, shall dissolve." This imagery of the destruction of human-made structures and the dissolution of the world itself is a powerful reminder of the transience of human life and the impermanence of all things.
The final couplet of the poem brings the theme of time full circle, with the speaker stating that "Time, the subtle thief of youth, / Steals on his winged chariot silently." This final image of time as a thief stealing youth is a poignant reminder of the fleeting nature of human life and the importance of living in the present moment.
Overall, Sonnet 12 by John Milton is a powerful meditation on the theme of time and its effects on human life. Through vivid imagery and metaphorical language, Milton conveys the idea of time as a relentless force that cannot be stopped or slowed down. The poem serves as a reminder of the transience of human life and the importance of living in the present moment. Milton's use of the traditional sonnet form and his mastery of language make this poem a timeless classic that continues to resonate with readers today.
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