Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Sonnet to a Painter Attempting Delia's Portrait" is a poem by Robert Southey, first published in 1797. Delia was the nickname of Southey's wife, Edith Fricker, and this poem was written for a portrait artist who was attempting to capture her likeness. Southey was a prolific writer, best known for his poetry and biographies, and served as Poet Laureate of the United Kingdom from 1813 until his death in 1843.

Content:

In this sonnet, Southey expresses his frustration with the painter's attempt to capture Delia's likeness. He believes that the painter is only able to capture a surface-level likeness of her physical appearance, rather than her true essence and spirit. Southey compares the painter's work to that of a sculptor, who is able to capture the soul of their subject in their work.

Form:

"Sonnet to a Painter Attempting Delia's Portrait" is a traditional English sonnet, consisting of fourteen lines with a rhyme scheme of ABAB CDCD EFEF GG. The poem is written in iambic pentameter, with each line consisting of ten syllables.

Summary:

Southey's "Sonnet to a Painter Attempting Delia's Portrait" is a well-crafted poem that conveys the poet's deep love and admiration for his wife, as well as his frustration with the limitations of visual art in capturing the true essence of a person. The use of the sonnet form allows Southey to express his thoughts and emotions in a structured and controlled manner, while the iambic pentameter gives the poem a sense of rhythm and musicality. The poem's enduring appeal lies in its exploration of the relationship between art and reality, and the limitations of the former in capturing the latter.