Elizabeth Cobbold’s “II. The Veil” is a sonnet set in a ABAB CDCD EFEF GG rhyme scheme. However, this does not fit any of the exact formats provided for typical sonnets, it is closely related to the Spenserian style. Although these sonnets generally only have 5 rhymes and each carries over from quatrain to quatrain, “The Veil” uses the 7 rhymes, much like a Shakespearian sonnet. In the style of the Spenserian sonnet, the general idea for each quatrain is carried over to the next, allowing for a sense of flow and progression throughout the sonnet.
In the first quatrain, Cobbold seems to be talking about a “remonstrance” she feels. But she refers to it as a weak grievance, and how it was something she simply created in her own mind. She introduces the veil, using it to act as a symbolic barrier between her mind and self and the physical world. By saying it is the veil that “shades the face obscures the mind”, she is bringing up the idea that there is some sort of block between what she sees and what she believes. Yet, it is obvious that she acknowledges that the veil is present and that her complaints are all made up within her mind.
Cobbold then continues on and brings about a feeling of love and courting that may be present. It seems as if she is playing the role of a coy young girl that is trying to hide behind a happy smile. This is an attempt to not let her interest know of the battles she is facing within her own mind. She is acknowledging the feelings of joy and happiness that she is experiencing with this person is around, and how she does not want him to pick up on her insecurities or grievances. The reader is fully aware of how much Cobbold wants the separation between her mind and her interest when she mentions the “tear of rapture” that is coming to her eye. It becomes apparent in the next quatrain that she hopes that her interest never learns of the other side of her.
The third quatrain seems to be a shift back and forth within her own mind about revealing her true feelings and battles and not letting her interest know of them. It appears as if she is once again ashamed of the feelings and thoughts she has, while still knowing they are insignificant in the larger picture. These thoughts are playing back and forth in her mind and trying to come out but she does not want to reveal them. However, she feels as if they are going to come out and, although she is not completely pleased with this, she is not fully against it either. The reader is now aware of just how interested she is in her pursuer and how much she cares about what he thinks. Now, she is faced with the problem of letting him in or allowing the veil to again serve as a protection between her heart and the outside world.
Finally, the sonnet ends with a couplet. It is here that Cobbold is telling the veil to come back and be her protection. She feels the need to have it return as her barrier and shield her heart. This time, it is a friendlier request. Instead of blocking her from the complaints and problems she feels between herself and the world, it is now to protect her heart from getting hurt by her new interest. She asked to veil to protect her pride, honor, and fame. In this, she is not asking that it keep her from being broken hearted, but rather just to keep her dignity and welcome love.
No comments:
Post a Comment