In your language you have a form of poetry called a sonnet...It is a very strict form of poetry, is it not?
...There are fourteen lines, I believe, all in iambic pentameter. That's a very strict rhythm or meter, yes?...And each line has to end with a rigid rhyme pattern. And if the poet does not do it exactly this way, it is not a sonnet, is it?'
'No.'
'But within this strict form the poet has complete freedom to say whatever he wants, doesn't he?'
'Yes." Calvin nodded again.
'So,' said Mrs. Whatsit.
'So what?'
'Oh, do not be stupid, boy!' Mrs. Whatsit scolded. 'You know perfectly well what I am driving at!'
'You mean you're comparing our lives to a sonnet? A strict form, but with freedom within it?'
'Yes,' Mrs. Whatsit said. "You're given the form, but you have to write the sonnet yourself.
...There are fourteen lines, I believe, all in iambic pentameter. That's a very strict rhythm or meter, yes?...And each line has to end with a rigid rhyme pattern. And if the poet does not do it exactly this way, it is not a sonnet, is it?'
'No.'
'But within this strict form the poet has complete freedom to say whatever he wants, doesn't he?'
'Yes." Calvin nodded again.
'So,' said Mrs. Whatsit.
'So what?'
'Oh, do not be stupid, boy!' Mrs. Whatsit scolded. 'You know perfectly well what I am driving at!'
'You mean you're comparing our lives to a sonnet? A strict form, but with freedom within it?'
'Yes,' Mrs. Whatsit said. "You're given the form, but you have to write the sonnet yourself.
( Madeleine L'Engle )
[ A Wrinkle in Time ]
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