Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

The poem "The Island of Skyros; Sonnet" by John Masefield was written during his tenure as Poet Laureate of the United Kingdom. The sonnet was published in his 1926 collection of poems "Lollingdon Downs and Other Poems." In this sonnet, Masefield reflects on the Greek island of Skyros and its ancient history, particularly its connection to the myth of Theseus and the Minotaur. The sonnet is a reflection on the nature of history and how the past continues to inform and shape the present.

The island of Skyros has been inhabited since ancient times and has a rich history and mythology. According to the myth, Theseus, the hero of Athens, visited the island and fell in love with the local queen, who bore him a son. The son, known as Hippolytus, was raised by his mother and became a skilled hunter. However, he was eventually killed by his own horses, and his mother committed suicide in grief. The island is also said to be the site where Achilles was hidden by his mother, Thetis, dressed as a woman to avoid being drafted into the Trojan War.

Masefield was known for his interest in history and mythology, and he often drew on these subjects in his poetry. In "The Island of Skyros; Sonnet," he reflects on the enduring power of myth and history and how they continue to shape our understanding of the world. The sonnet is a meditation on the mysteries of time and the human experience, and it speaks to Masefield's belief in the enduring power of the past to inform and enrich our lives in the present.

Content: 

"The Island of Skyros; Sonnet" by John Masefield describes the beauty and serenity of the Greek island of Skyros. The poem begins with a description of the island's landscape, with its "sunlit marble" and "maquis" (scrubland) that creates a fragrant atmosphere. The speaker then moves on to describe the locals, their "calm and courteous" ways, and their simple yet fulfilling lives as fishermen and farmers.

The poem takes a darker turn in the final lines as the speaker reflects on the island's history as a place of exile, where even Achilles was said to have hidden. Despite this, the island's beauty and the contentment of its inhabitants create a sense of peace and balance.

Form: 

"The Island of Skyros; Sonnet" is a 14-line poem following the traditional structure of a sonnet. It is divided into an octave and a sestet, with the rhyme scheme ABBA ABBA CDCDCD.

Poetic Elements:

 The poem is filled with imagery and sensory details, from the "sunlit marble" and "spicy maquis" to the "calm and courteous" people of the island. The poem also makes use of alliteration, assonance, and consonance to create a musical quality to the language. For example, the repetition of the "s" and "m" sounds in "sunlit marble" and "spicy maquis" creates a sense of harmony with the island's landscape.

Summary: 

"The Island of Skyros; Sonnet" is a beautiful and peaceful poem that captures the essence of a Greek island and its people. The poem's contrast between the island's beauty and its history of exile creates a sense of balance, with the present moment being one of contentment and harmony. Masefield's use of sensory details and musical language makes the poem a joy to read and brings the island to life in the reader's mind.

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