Composed During a Storm
Composed During a Storm - form Summary
Sonnet of Sudden Consolation
This poem is a sonnet that compresses a dramatic moral scene into a swift movement from peril to consolation. The opening imagery of storm and inner tumult establishes crisis, and the poem then 'turns' to an unexpected, calm azure disc that symbolizes providential comfort. The sonnet form concentrates the emotional shift, making the sudden apparition of tranquility feel like a decisive, almost revelatory resolution to the speaker’s distress.
Read Complete AnalysesOne who was suffering tumult in his soul, Yet failed to seek the sure relief of prayer, Went forth--his course surrendering to the care Of the fierce wind, while mid-day lightnings prowl Insidiously, untimely thunders growl; While trees, dim-seen, in frenzied numbers, tear The lingering remnant of their yellow hair, And shivering wolves, surprised with darkness, howl As if the sun were not. He raised his eye Soul-smitten; for, that instant, did appear Large space ('mid dreadful clouds) of purest sky, An azure disc--shield of Tranquillity; Invisible, unlooked-for, minister Of providential goodness ever nigh!
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