Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

The sonnet, "Hope, like the hyaena, coming to be old" was likely written in the late 16th or early 17th century, during the Elizabethan era, a time of great cultural, political, and social change in England. The sonnet is part of a larger body of work by Henry Constable, which includes sonnets, elegies, and other poems.

Content:

The sonnet, "Hope, like the hyaena, coming to be old" is a poem in which the speaker reflects on the nature of hope and its tendency to fade over time. The poem compares hope to a hyaena, a scavenging animal known for its persistence and ability to survive in harsh environments. The speaker suggests that hope, like the hyaena, becomes old and tired over time, and that it is ultimately replaced by despair and disappointment.

Form:

The sonnet is written in the traditional Shakespearean sonnet form, consisting of fourteen lines and a rhyme scheme of ABAB CDCD EFEF GG. The poem is divided into three quatrains and a final couplet, with each quatrain exploring a different aspect of the poem's central theme.

Poetic Elements:

The sonnet makes use of several poetic techniques and devices, including metaphor, imagery, and personification. The use of metaphor, such as the comparison of hope to a hyaena, adds to the poem's thematic depth and emotional impact, while the imagery of decay and age emphasizes the fleeting nature of hope. The personification of hope, as a living entity that can become old and tired, adds to the poem's sense of despair and disillusionment.

Summary:

"Hope, like the hyaena, coming to be old" is a notable example of Elizabethan sonnetry, and a significant contribution to Constable's body of work. The poem's exploration of the themes of hope, despair, and the passage of time, as well as its use of metaphor and imagery, are enduring themes that continue to resonate with readers today. The poem's use of the Shakespearean sonnet form, with its intricate rhyme scheme and carefully crafted structure, reflects Constable's mastery of the sonnet form and his engagement with the literary conventions of his time. Overall, "Hope, like the hyaena, coming to be old" is a noteworthy example of Constable's poetic skill and his engagement with themes of hope, despair, and the fleeting nature of human existence.

Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!

Other Poems of Interest...