Poetry Analysis Madonna Mia Essay - 574 Words

The piece of poetry I am analysing is an Italian Sonnet called Madonna Mia, by Oscar Wilde. This poem does not deviate from the Italian Sonnet formula; a formula consisting of a stichic syllabic structure, and stressing according to a pentameter - that is, each verse line is 10 syllables, five of which are stressed. Furthermore, this poem, being an Italian Sonnet, is divided into two sections: an eight-line `octave of two quatrains, rhymed [abbaacca], followed by a six-line `sestet usually rhymed [cdeced] (Baldick, p239). This poem, however, is not only in accord with the rules of Italian Sonnets; it is also in accord with the grammatical rules of English. For example, all of the caesuras coincide with punctuation in the poem.†¦show more content†¦Personally, my favourite example is on line four, where Wilde rhymes bluest and through mists. I found this to be an impressive rhyme because it is hard to notice it as a rhyme since, not only is it a single word rhyming with two words, but also because it exists outside the poems rhyming scheme. As for the actual subject matter of the poem, this poem has a conventional subject - and a conventional form for describing that subject - but with an unconventional twist. The conventional subject and form for describing that subject are, respectively, a woman, and the blazon method of describing a woman. The twist, however, occurs after the first two quatrains, where the subject changes from the woman being adored, to the man adoring her. However, the literary technique used to describe the man and the woman are the same: tropes. Metaphors are used to describe the womans physical appearance which in turn, also describe the womans emotional state. For example, on line four the poem states in reference to the womans eyes Like bluest water seen through mists of rain. On the other hand, both metaphors and similes are used to describe the mans emotional state directly. For example, the 13th line states Like Dante, when he stood with Beatrice. This statement is in reference to a book by DanteShow MoreRelatedOscar Wilde1403 Words   |  6 Pageswelcomes readers to a different point of view on poetry and life. Wilde uses strong and bold words to emphasize what he is truly feeling and to set a tone for the reader. He is a passionate and idealistic writer and isn’t afraid to express real emotion to his audience. His writing truly portrays his characters and refers to his past and real events that he had gone through. Was Oscar Wilde able to capture the meaning of love throughout his poetry to convey his tru e feelings during his life time?