Hidden Imagery

Step 1:

-nuns in convents
-hermits in cells

-students in pensive citadels

-maids at wheel

-weaver at loom

-bees soar

-peak of Furness fells

-foxglove bells

-prison

Step 2:

            The poem I selected to analyze is "The Sonnet" by William Wordsworth. To describe the conveniences of the sonnet's structure, Wordsworth chose to use images of nuns, hermits, students, maids, and weavers, who are depicted within their respective locations or jobs. Although these images appear to be different, they all demonstrate the limitations of these people's lives. His purpose of using these images was to portray how all of these people can be satisfied with their seemingly inadequate lifestyles, and that these people would actually become distressed if they were to be removed from the habits they are accustomed to.

            By illustrating these people's contentment with what they have, Wordsworth conveys his appreciation for the restrictions of writing a sonnet. Despite the fact that most people would view limitations as a burden, Wordsworth explains how they can actually be beneficial to writers. So even though the sonnet's structure has specific requirements, Wordsworth implies how it is easier to write sonnets because they already provide a writer with a rough outline. As a result, he states how complete freedom can actually be even more difficult for writers because there are absolutely no guidelines given.

            Even though Wordsworth uses his imagery to convey how much he appreciates the sonnet's structure, he also disobeys its rules by repositioning the location of the volta and by breaking the rhyming pattern in the last two lines. In addition, Wordsworth chose to use the imagery of bees soaring, which suggests the idea of liberty and contradicts the other images' portrayal of confinement. I believe he uses this imagery of freedom to depict the creativity that all humans possess. Although people can be content with the limitations they are given in life, it does not mean they cannot add new ideas into their lives. For example, bees are also restricted to monotonous jobs of pollinating flowers and making honey, but they are also gifted with the ability to fly, which contradicts the idea of limitations. Thus, I believe that Wordsworth is conveying how the sonnet's structure is a useful guideline for writers, but that innovations can be made for those who are comfortable or experienced enough.