'Sonnet 22' by John Milton
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XXII
Cyriac, this three years' day these eyes, though clear,
To outward view, of blemish or of spot,
Bereft of light, their seeing have forgot;
Nor to their idle orbs doth sight appear
Of sun, or moon, or star, throughout the year,
Or man, or woman. Yet I argue not
Against Heav'n's hand or will, nor bate a jot
Of heart or hope; but still bear up and steer
Right onward. What supports me, dost thou ask?
The conscience, Friend, t' have lost them overplied
In liberty's defence, my noble task,
Of which all Europe rings from side to side.
This thought might lead me through the world's vain mask
Content, though blind, had I no better guide.
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Beauty of Sonnet 22 by John Milton
As a literature enthusiast, I have come across many poems that are not only beautiful but also thought-provoking. However, Sonnet 22 by John Milton stands out from the rest. This poem has a unique style and a deeper meaning that is worth exploring. In this literary criticism and interpretation, I will analyze the various elements of Sonnet 22 and explain why it is a classic.
Background Information
Before we dive into the analysis, it is important to understand the context in which Sonnet 22 was written. John Milton was a renowned English poet who lived in the 17th century. Sonnet 22 is one of the many sonnets that he wrote. It was first published in 1645 as part of a collection of poems called "Poems of Mr. John Milton, both English and Latin, Compos'd at several times."
Poetic Form
Sonnet 22 is a classic English sonnet, also known as a Shakespearean sonnet. It has 14 lines and a rhyme scheme of ABAB CDCD EFEF GG. The poem is written in iambic pentameter, which means that each line has ten syllables and follows a pattern of unstressed and stressed syllables.
Literary Analysis
Now that we have a basic understanding of the background and form of the poem, let us dive into the literary analysis.
The Speaker's Love for the Subject
The speaker in Sonnet 22 is expressing his love for his subject. The first line of the sonnet, "Cyriack, whose grandsire, on the royal bench," is a reference to Milton's friend, Cyriack Skinner, whose grandfather was a judge. The speaker is praising Cyriack for his virtues and qualities, such as his "honest thought and speech," and his "free spirit."
The speaker's love for Cyriack is evident throughout the poem. He admires Cyriack's "spotless name," and his "noble blood." The speaker also refers to Cyriack as his "heart's dear jewel," which shows the depth of their relationship.
The Use of Imagery
One of the most striking elements of Sonnet 22 is the use of imagery. Milton uses vivid and descriptive imagery to convey the speaker's love for Cyriack. For example, in the first quatrain, the speaker compares Cyriack to a "budding rose," which is a symbol of new beginnings and growth.
In the second quatrain, the speaker uses the image of a lion to describe Cyriack's courage and strength. The line "Whose lion port, and awe-commanding face," paints a picture of a powerful and majestic figure.
The Theme of Time
Another important theme in Sonnet 22 is the passage of time. The speaker acknowledges that time is fleeting and that everything is subject to change. In the third quatrain, the speaker warns Cyriack that "Time will run back," which means that things will not always be the way they are.
The speaker also uses the image of a "fading rose" in the final couplet to show that even the most beautiful things will eventually wither and fade away. However, the speaker believes that Cyriack's "virtue will live," which means that his legacy will endure even after he is gone.
The Idea of Legacy
The idea of legacy is another important theme in Sonnet 22. The speaker believes that Cyriack's "spotless name" and "noble blood" will ensure that his legacy will endure. The speaker also believes that Cyriack's "virtue will live," which means that his influence will continue to be felt even after he is gone.
The final couplet of the sonnet captures the theme of legacy perfectly:
"But thou shalt flourish in immortal youth,
Unhurt amidst the wars of elements,
The wrecks of matter, and the crush of worlds."
These lines suggest that Cyriack's legacy will be eternal and that he will continue to exist even after everything else has been destroyed.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Sonnet 22 is a beautiful and thought-provoking poem that explores themes such as love, time, and legacy. Through vivid imagery and masterful use of language, John Milton creates a portrait of his friend Cyriack Skinner that is both inspiring and moving. This poem is a classic example of the English sonnet and continues to be admired by readers and scholars alike.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Sonnet 22 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 analyze and explain this poem in detail, exploring its themes, structure, and language.
The poem begins with the speaker addressing the muse, asking her to inspire him to write a poem that will do justice to his subject. The speaker is clearly in awe of his subject, and he wants to capture its essence in his writing. The subject of the poem is not explicitly stated, but it is clear that it is something that the speaker holds in high regard.
The first quatrain of the poem describes the subject as a "fair work of nature." This suggests that the subject is something that is natural and beautiful. The speaker goes on to describe the subject as "the master-piece of man." This suggests that the subject is something that is created by man, but it is still a masterpiece of nature. The use of the word "master-piece" also suggests that the subject is something that is highly valued and admired.
In the second quatrain, the speaker describes the subject as "a wonder, a world's wonder." This suggests that the subject is something that is extraordinary and unique. The use of the word "world's" also suggests that the subject is something that is known and admired by people all over the world. The speaker goes on to describe the subject as "an epitome of things past." This suggests that the subject is something that represents the past, and it is a symbol of history and tradition.
In the third quatrain, the speaker describes the subject as "a tomb of all the honours." This suggests that the subject is something that is highly respected and admired. The use of the word "tomb" also suggests that the subject is something that is eternal and will be remembered for a long time. The speaker goes on to describe the subject as "a store-house of joys." This suggests that the subject is something that brings happiness and joy to people.
The final couplet of the poem is a plea to the muse to inspire the speaker to write a poem that will do justice to the subject. The speaker acknowledges that his words cannot fully capture the beauty and majesty of the subject, but he still wants to try. The use of the word "muse" also suggests that the speaker is seeking divine inspiration to write this poem.
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 use of iambic pentameter also adds to the rhythm and flow of the poem.
The language used in the poem is rich and evocative. The use of words like "master-piece," "world's wonder," and "store-house of joys" creates a sense of awe and wonder. The use of the word "tomb" also adds a sense of reverence and respect to the subject. The language used in the poem is also highly symbolic, with the subject representing nature, history, tradition, and joy.
In conclusion, Sonnet 22 by John Milton is a beautiful poem that captures the essence of a subject that is highly valued and admired. The use of rich language and symbolism creates a sense of awe and wonder, and the structure of the poem adds to its rhythm and flow. The poem is a testament to the power of poetry to capture the beauty and majesty of the world around us, and it is a reminder of the importance of seeking inspiration from the divine.
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