Sonnet by James Weldon Johnson
The poem explores themes of love, desire, and emotional disillusionment. The speaker reflects on a past infatuation, recognizing the superficiality of the affection he once felt. He addresses a woman, Celia, whose beauty is likened to cold, glistening snow, suggesting that while she may be visually appealing, she lacks the warmth and passion necessary for true love. The speaker expresses a yearning for a deeper connection, contrasting Celia's coldness with his desire for a partner who embodies warmth and spontaneity. He critiques the nature of their relationship, describing it as lifeless and devoid of genuine emotion, akin to a mere imitation of love. The imagery of "painted fruit" and "waxen rose" emphasizes the artificiality of his feelings for Celia. Ultimately, the speaker longs for a love that is vibrant and passionate, seeking a woman who embodies fire and fervor. This desire for authenticity in love drives the speaker's rejection of his previous attachment, marking a significant shift in his understanding of what constitutes true emotional fulfillment. The poem encapsulates the struggle between idealized love and the reality of emotional connection, highlighting the importance of warmth and genuine passion in romantic relationships.
By James Weldon Johnson · First published 1922 · Genre: Sonnet, Romantic Poetry, Lyric Poetry · 178 words
First lines
(From the Spanish of Plácido)
Enough of love! Let break its every hold!
Ended my youthful folly! for I know That, like the dazzling, glister-shedding snow, Celia, thou art beautiful, but cold.
I do not find in thee that warmth which glows, Which, all these dreary days, my heart has sought, That warmth without which love is lifeless, naught More than a painted fruit, a waxen rose.
What this Textopian page supports
Sonnet is listed on Textopian as a poem by James Weldon Johnson, dated 1922 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: James Weldon Johnson
- Date: 1922 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Sonnet, Romantic Poetry, Lyric Poetry, Love Poetry, Narrative Poetry
- Length: 178 words
- Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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Genres
- Sonnet — The poem is structured as a sonnet, adhering to the traditional form with a specific rhyme scheme and meter.
- Romantic Poetry — The themes of love, desire, and emotional expression are central to the poem, characteristic of Romantic poetry.
- Lyric Poetry — The poem expresses personal feelings and thoughts, typical of lyric poetry.
- Love Poetry — The exploration of love and its complexities is a primary focus of the poem.
Tags
Poetry · Sonnet · American Literature · 19th Century · Free Verse · Symbolism · Imagery · Metaphor · Simile · Alliteration · Assonance · Consonance