Sonnet IV by James Agee: The poem and Analysis

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The poem

I have been fashioned on a chain of flesh

Whose ancient lengths are immolate to dust:

Frail though that dust be as the dew's mesh

The morning mars, it holds me to a trust:

My flesh that was, long as this flesh knew life,

Strove, and was valiant, still strove, and was naught:

Now it is mine to wage their valiant strife

And failing seek still what they ever sought.

I have been given wings they never wore.

I have been given hope they never knew.

And they were brave, who can be brave no more.

And they that live are kind as they are few.

˜Tis mine to touch with deathlessness their clay:

And I shall fail, and join those I betray.

Analysis

James Agee's "Sonnet IV" is a contemplative reflection on the continuity of human existence and the legacy of those who have come before us. The poem begins with a reflection on the speaker's own existence, describing how they have been "fashioned on a chain of flesh" that stretches back through time. This image suggests a connection to past generations, with each individual being a link in a long chain of human experience.

The poem acknowledges the transient nature of life, describing how the flesh that once strove and was valiant eventually succumbs to dust. Despite this transience, the speaker feels a sense of obligation or "trust" to continue the legacy of those who came before them. This duty is seen as a continuation of the valiant struggle of past generations, with the speaker seeking to fulfill the aspirations and dreams of their ancestors.

The speaker also reflects on the gifts they have been given that their ancestors did not have, such as wings and hope. These gifts represent the progress and advancement of humanity over time, as each generation builds upon the achievements of the past. Despite these advancements, the speaker acknowledges the bravery and kindness of those who came before them, recognizing the value of their contributions.

The poem concludes with a recognition of the inevitability of failure and mortality. The speaker acknowledges that they will eventually join those they betray, referring to the inevitability of death and the inability to fully live up to the expectations and dreams of past generations. This acknowledgment of mortality adds a poignant layer to the poem, emphasizing the fleeting nature of human life and the importance of honoring the legacy of those who came before us.