Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

The poem "Sonnet to Mary Queen of Scots" by Joseph Brodsky is an intriguing blend of history, irony, and psychological insight. This sonnet offers a provocative look at Mary Queen of Scots, a historical figure known for her tragic life and turbulent reign. Brodsky's poem is not merely a historical account but a critical reevaluation that focuses on the symbolism of Mary's red wig as a metaphor for her life, power, and ultimate downfall.

At the core of the poem is the tension between appearance and reality. Mary is initially introduced as someone who "dragged from English mouths a shout of wonderment," suggesting her capacity to inspire awe and even fear. However, this power is contrasted with the symbol of the red wig, which has fallen from her "fallen head." The wig becomes a synecdoche for Mary herself: an object that once symbolized her grandeur but eventually became a relic, devoid of its former life and meaning.

The irony in Brodsky's sonnet is palpable. The phrase "it seems I can't complete the big buildup of phrases" offers a moment of self-awareness, where the poet acknowledges the struggle to encapsulate Mary's complex character. The words "wow, that's rich!" further accentuate this irony, providing a tone that is both sarcastic and mournful. In doing so, Brodsky raises questions about the process of myth-making and how historical figures are often reduced to simplified, even caricatured, versions of themselves.

The poem also reflects on the themes of audience and spectacle. Mary's wig was her "one and only bow to any audience." This line could imply that Mary was constantly performing, even when her reign was collapsing around her. The phrase "with no free seat" hints at the full attendance at her life's tragedies, emphasizing the public's voracious appetite for spectacle. Her downfall did not "cause a major fight among spectators," yet it was so poignant that it "brought your enemies to their cold feet," suggesting a complex relationship between public perception and individual experience.

Brodsky employs a traditional sonnet structure, consisting of fourteen lines with a tight rhyme scheme. This form is often associated with love poems, creating a further layer of irony considering Mary's tumultuous love life and her marriages' implications on her reign and downfall. In a typical sonnet, the last two lines provide a "turn" or resolution, but Brodsky subverts this by closing with an unsettling image that does not offer closure but rather extends the disquieting aura of the poem.

Regarding historical context, Mary Queen of Scots was a controversial figure who faced imprisonment and ultimately execution at the hands of her cousin, Elizabeth I of England. The mention of Philip and the Armada references Spain's failed attempt to invade England, partly motivated by Mary's execution. Although these details are not overtly explained, they add depth to the poem's intricate web of personal and political calamities.

In summary, Joseph Brodsky's "Sonnet to Mary Queen of Scots" is a layered exploration of a historical figure that goes beyond mere recounting of events. Through symbolism, irony, and formal structure, the poem captures the complexities of Mary's life, inviting the reader to reconsider the ways in which history is written, remembered, and mythologized.

Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!

Other Poems of Interest...