Sonnet by G.K. Chesterton (1908)
The poem Sonnet by G.K. Chesterton is a love sonnet that explores the theme of unrequited love. The speaker expresses his deep affection for someone who does not return his feelings, and he laments the fact that their relationship will never be what he desires it to be. Throughout the poem, Chesterton uses vivid imagery and metaphors to convey the intensity of the speaker's emotions. The final stanza is particularly powerful, as the speaker acknowledges his own helplessness in the face of unrequited love.
By G.K. Chesterton · First published 1908 · Genre: Poetry, Satire, Historical · 218 words
First lines
ON HEARING A LANDLORD ACCUSED (FALSELY, FOR ALL THE BARD CAN SAY) OF NEGLECTING ONE OF THE NUMEROUS WHITE HORSES THAT WERE OR WERE NOT CONNECTED WITH ALFRED THE GREAT
If you have picked your lawn of leaves and snails, If you have told your valet, even with oaths, Once a week or so, to brush your clothes.
If you have dared to clean your teeth, or nails, While the Horse upon the holy mountain fails -- Then God that Alfred to his earth betrothes Send on you screaming all that honour loathes, Horsewhipping, Hounsditch, debts, and _Daily Mails_.
What this Textopian page supports
Sonnet is listed on Textopian as a poem by G.K. Chesterton, dated 1908 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: G.K. Chesterton
- Date: 1908 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Satire, Historical, Social Commentary
- Length: 218 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Sonnet by G.K. Chesterton
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured as a sonnet, a poetic form, and employs rhyme and meter.
- Satire — The text uses irony and exaggeration to critique societal norms and behaviors.
- Historical — References to historical figures and events, such as Alfred the Great, are present.
- Social Commentary — The poem comments on social issues, such as neglect and responsibility.
Tags
poetry · sonnet · love · nature · philosophy · romanticism · metaphor · imagery · emotion · beauty · language · form