When in disgrace with fortune and men’s eyes (29)

1. When in disgrace with fortune and men’s eyes (29) • The poet expresses his loss of confidence and subsequent disillusionment with life. • However, by remembering his friend and the inspiration his friendship brings, he is restored to happiness and peace of mind again. Overview

2. 1 –4 His miserable condition • When he feels out of favour with “fortune” and the opinions of others.. • He weeps and moans alone for his poor condition, his “outcast state”. • Even Heaven is deaf to his prayers, his “bootless (useless) cries” • He curses his situation….he’s really feeling sorry for himself! 5 – 8 emphasises his misery by detailing what he doesn’t have • Hope • Good looks, friends • Abilities/talent and understanding/knowledge. • What usually satisfies him most, satisfies him least now.

3. 9 – 12 but when he thinks of his friend…everything changes and he’s transformed! • But as he thinks these depressing thoughts….. • His mind turns to his friend and a remarkable change occurs….! • It’s as though he’s raised up from the misery of the “sullen earth” … • To sing hymns at the gates of heaven – like a songbird soaring in the morning sky! 13 / 14 He wouldn’t trade places with a king now! • The remembrance of his friend’s affection and friendship brings such joy…. • That he wouldn’t change places with kings.

4. Points to note • A poem outlining the two conditions of the poet. • Pre-transformation and post-transformation • Miserable poet • Distant from heaven • Heaven itself is deaf to his cries • His wretched state • Feeling hopeless • Isolated • Etc • Happy poet • Close to heaven • His useless cries are now replaced by “hymns” • Renewed state

5. Mechanics • Assonance – long, broad vowel sounds emphasise bleak mood / condition of the speaker (line 2) “ all alone…. outcast” • More long vowel sounds in line 4….”look upon…..curse”. • Repitition of “and” (3/4) suggests a litany of woes. • Personification of heaven makes his percieved rejection seem more cruel……….heightens the sense of misery. • Assonance (in 10) “Haply…thee” emphasises the change of mood. • Moreassonance (in 10/11)…long ‘a’ sounds, “state/..break…day” • Alliteration (in 11) “like…lark” • Sibilance (in 12)..emphasises the sweetness of his new condition. • Strict rhyming schemeabab,cdcd,efef,gg • 10 syllables per line but not strict iambic pentameter

6. Conclusion • It’s suggested that this poem is successful because it takes a real human experience and makes it universal. Everyone has experienced loss of confidence, feeling miserable, feeling down, isolated etc. And, oftentimes, the thought of a loved one can lift our spirits. • The problem with this is the utter contrast between the two states the poet experiences! The change in the poet’s condition is instant and total. This is simply not realistic.