Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Michael Drayton was an English poet who lived from 1563 to 1631. He was a contemporary of William Shakespeare and Ben Jonson and was known for his poetry, which often celebrated English history and mythology. "Upon the Three Sonnes of the Lord Sheffield, Drowned in Humber" is a poem by Drayton that commemorates the tragic drowning of the three sons of the Lord Sheffield in the Humber River.

Context:

"Upon the Three Sonnes of the Lord Sheffield, Drowned in Humber" reflects the cultural and historical concerns of early modern England, particularly the emphasis on noble lineage and the importance of family honor. The poem also reflects the religious and spiritual concerns of its time, particularly the idea of the providential role of God in human affairs.

Content:

"Upon the Three Sonnes of the Lord Sheffield, Drowned in Humber" is a poem that mourns the loss of the three sons of the Lord Sheffield, who drowned in the Humber River. The poem emphasizes the tragic nature of their deaths, and reflects on the grief and sorrow of their family and loved ones. Drayton also reflects on the providential role of God in human affairs, and suggests that the death of the three sons is part of a larger plan that is beyond human understanding.

Form:

"Upon the Three Sonnes of the Lord Sheffield, Drowned in Humber" is written in rhyming couplets, a common form in English poetry. The poem has a regular rhyme scheme (aa bb cc), and is divided into four-line stanzas. Drayton also makes use of rhetorical devices such as repetition and parallelism to create his effects.

Poetic Elements:

Drayton's use of repetition and parallelism in "Upon the Three Sonnes of the Lord Sheffield, Drowned in Humber" creates a sense of rhythm and musicality, emphasizing the tragedy and grief of the situation. The poem also makes use of vivid imagery, such as the image of the "black flood" of the Humber River, to create a sense of the power and danger of nature.

Summary:

"Upon the Three Sonnes of the Lord Sheffield, Drowned in Humber" is a poignant and elegiac poem that mourns the loss of the three sons of the Lord Sheffield. Drayton's use of rhyming couplets and rhetorical devices creates a sense of structure and formality, while his use of poetic techniques such as repetition and imagery adds to the poem's emotional impact. The poem also reflects the cultural and historical concerns of its time, and provides a powerful meditation on the fragility and transience of human life. Overall, "Upon the Three Sonnes of the Lord Sheffield, Drowned in Humber" is a moving and memorable tribute to the tragic loss of life.

Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!

Other Poems of Interest...