Sonnet - Silence
Sonnet - Silence - form Summary
A Sonnet of Two Silences
Poe’s sonnet frames Silence as a doubled phenomenon: an accepted, communal quiet associated with graves and memory, and a lonelier, uncanny silence that haunts unfrequented places. The poem distinguishes the harmless, named “No More” from a nameless, shadowy presence whose encounter calls for spiritual protection. The compact sonnet form concentrates this metaphysical contrast into a brief, reflective meditation on mortality and the uncanny.
Read Complete AnalysesThere are some qualities- some incorporate things, That have a double life, which thus is made A type of that twin entity which springs From matter and light, evinced in solid and shade. There is a two-fold Silence- sea and shore- Body and soul. One dwells in lonely places, Newly with grass o’ergrown; some solemn graces, Some human memories and tearful lore, Render him terrorless: his name’s “No More.” He is the corporate Silence: dread him not! No power hath he of evil in himself; But should some urgent fate (untimely lot!) Bring thee to meet his shadow (nameless elf, That haunteth the lone regions where hath trod No foot of man,) commend thyself to God!
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