Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

The sonnet "I feel I am, I only know I am" is one of John Clare's most famous poems. It was written during the Romantic period in 1845, a time when poets emphasized the power of emotions and individual experience. Clare's sonnet captures this emphasis on the personal, expressing his own sense of existence and identity.

The sonnet opens with a declaration of uncertainty: "I feel I am, I only know I am." This line suggests that Clare is not certain of his own existence, but rather feels it. This feeling of existence may be tied to his emotional state or subjective experience, rather than any objective reality. This uncertainty echoes the Romantic emphasis on subjective experience and the power of emotions.

However, the next line "I am not what I seem" complicates this initial declaration. Here, Clare suggests that his feeling of existence does not align with his appearance or social role. He may feel alive and present, but he does not necessarily embody the qualities or characteristics that others expect of him. This creates a tension between his internal sense of existence and his external representation.

In the third line, Clare describes himself as "unknowing, and unknown." This phrase emphasizes his lack of knowledge and understanding, both of himself and of the world around him. This uncertainty may be a source of anxiety or discomfort, as he struggles to reconcile his own sense of existence with the external world.

The final line of the sonnet offers a sense of resolution: "I live, I love, I breathe, and I am moved." Here, Clare asserts his own existence through his actions and emotions. He may not fully understand himself or the world, but he knows that he is alive and capable of experiencing joy, love, and inspiration. This line offers a sense of hope and affirmation, suggesting that even in the midst of uncertainty and doubt, one can find meaning and purpose through personal experience.

Overall, Clare's sonnet captures the essence of Romantic poetry by emphasizing the power of subjective experience and the complexities of personal identity. Through his exploration of uncertainty and self-doubt, Clare offers a nuanced and deeply human perspective on existence and the search for meaning.

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