Poem Analysis - Sonnet On Hearing The Dies Irae Sung In The Sistine Chapel

Oscar Wilde's "Sonnet On Hearing The Dies Irae Sung In The Sistine Chapel" presents a serene and contemplative tone, inviting readers into a peaceful reflection on divine love and nature. The poem begins with a gentle plea to the Lord, shifting from a sense of dread to a more hopeful and intimate connection with the divine. Wilde's use of natural imagery and personal memories creates a deeply personal and evocative atmosphere. The sonnet form, with its structured and rhythmic language, supports the poem's meditative and introspective mood.

Wilde's Personal and Spiritual Journey

Oscar Wilde, an Irish poet and playwright, was known for his wit and flamboyant lifestyle. However, his later years were marked by personal tragedy and spiritual introspection. This sonnet reflects a more contemplative and spiritual side of Wilde, possibly influenced by his own struggles and search for meaning. The poem's setting in the Sistine Chapel, a place of profound religious significance, underscores Wilde's exploration of faith and divine love.

Themes of Divine Love and Nature

The poem explores the theme of divine love through the lens of nature. Wilde contrasts the terrifying imagery of the Dies Irae, a medieval Latin hymn about the Day of Judgment, with the gentle beauty of natural elements. He finds more clarity in the white lilies of spring, the olive-groves, and the silver-breasted dove, which teach him more about God's love than the terrifying visions of judgment. This contrast highlights Wilde's preference for a more personal and loving connection with the divine, rather than one based on fear.

Themes of Memory and Longing

Memory plays a crucial role in the poem, as Wilde recalls the hillside vines and the evening bird flying to its nest. These memories bring him closer to God, reminding him of the One who had no place of rest. The sparrows singing are seen as a symbol of divine presence, suggesting that God is found in the simple and everyday moments of life. This theme of longing is evident in the final lines, where Wilde invites the Lord to come and reap the harvest, indicating a deep yearning for divine intervention and presence.

Themes of Harvest and Fulfillment

The theme of harvest and fulfillment is central to the poem's conclusion. Wilde envisions an autumn afternoon with burnished leaves and golden sheaves, symbolizing the culmination of life's efforts. The gleaner's song and the full moon add to the sense of completion and abundance. This imagery suggests that divine love and presence are most fully experienced in moments of fulfillment and harvest, where the fruits of life are gathered and celebrated.

Recurring Symbols and Imagery

The poem is rich with natural symbols that convey a sense of peace and divine presence. The white lilies, olive-groves, and silver-breasted dove are all symbols of purity, peace, and love. The hillside vines and the evening bird represent memories and longing, while the autumn leaves and golden sheaves symbolize fulfillment and harvest. These symbols collectively create a tapestry of divine love and presence, inviting readers to find God in the beauty and simplicity of nature.

Conclusion

In "Sonnet On Hearing The Dies Irae Sung In The Sistine Chapel," Oscar Wilde offers a profound meditation on divine love and the beauty of nature. Through vivid imagery and personal memories, Wilde contrasts the terrifying visions of judgment with the gentle beauty of natural elements, highlighting his preference for a loving and personal connection with the divine. The poem's themes of memory, longing, and fulfillment are woven together through recurring symbols and imagery, creating a deeply evocative and introspective experience. Ultimately, Wilde's sonnet invites readers to find God in the simple and everyday moments of life, where divine love and presence are most fully experienced.