Sonnet 35 by Francisco Luis Arroyave Tabares

Samanta Smith

It was a giant dream that set her chart

What Fates and Norns failed to make much longer 2

But she held the keys in her pen and heart

To unlock secrets of foe and anger.

When she stopped the world for a little while

She made it realize children do care

When they question nonsense in making wild

This precious orb in space we know is rare.

Ah!, let her be the last worried angel

For nuclear war that we want to cease

And let us make her a saint and laurel

Carry to her each time we pray for peace.

She will live for ever, the well known myth

Of two worlds that say: Oh!, Samantha Smith.

***

2-. Fates = the three goddesses supposed to determine the course

of human life. In Greek, they are called Moira, their names are

Clotho, Lachesis and Atropos. The Romans identified the Moirae

with their own goddesses, whose names are Nova, Decuma and Morta

2-. Norns = in Norse Mythology, any of the three goddesses representing the past, present and future, their names are Urth, Verthandi and Skuld. In English, they are represented by the three "Weird Sisters" of Macbeth.

Sonnet written by Francisco Luis Arroyave Tabares. Analyzed by GPT4 and www.howmanysyllables.com

Analysis of "Samanta Smith"

Sonnet 35 by Francisco Luis Arroyave Tabares is a tribute to Samantha Smith, an American schoolgirl who became famous during the Cold War for her efforts to promote peace between the United States and the Soviet Union. The poem praises her for her courage and wisdom, and it expresses the hope that her legacy will continue to inspire others to work for peace.

The poem is structured as a traditional English sonnet, consisting of 14 lines with a rhyme scheme of ABABCDCDEFEFGG. The first quatrain (lines 1-4) introduces Samantha Smith as a dreamer who held the power to unlock secrets and overcome anger. The reference to "Fates and Norns" in line 2 alludes to the Greek and Norse goddesses who determined the course of human life, suggesting that Samantha's life was tragically cut short.

The second quatrain (lines 5-8) describes how Samantha's actions made the world realize that children care about the future of the planet. By questioning the "nonsense" of war and destruction, she helped people see the Earth as a rare and precious place.

The third quatrain (lines 9-12) expresses the hope that Samantha will be the last "worried angel" for nuclear war and that her memory will inspire others to work for peace. The poet suggests that she should be made a saint and that people should remember her when they pray for peace.

The final couplet (lines 13-14) concludes the poem by stating that Samantha Smith will live forever as a myth that unites two worlds, presumably the United States and the Soviet Union, in their shared desire for peace. (GPT4)

Analyze the rhyme of the poem in detail

In Sonnet 35 by Francisco Luis Arroyave Tabares, the rhyme scheme follows the pattern of a traditional English sonnet, also known as a Shakespearean sonnet. The poem consists of 14 lines, divided into three quatrains (four-line stanzas) and a final rhymed couplet. The rhyme scheme is ABABCDCDEFEFGG.

Here's a breakdown of the rhyme scheme in the poem:

1. It was a giant dream that set her chart (A)

2. What Fates and Norns failed to make much longer (B)

3. But she held the keys in her pen and heart (A)

4. To unlock secrets of foe and anger. (B)

5. When she stopped the world for a little while (C)

6. She made it realize children do care (D)

7. When they question nonsense in making wild (C)

8. This precious orb in space we know is rare. (D)

9. Ah!, let her be the last worried angel (E)

10. For nuclear war that we want to cease (F)

11. And let us make her a saint and laurel (E)

12. Carry to her each time we pray for peace. (F)

13. She will live for ever, the well known myth (G)

14. Of two worlds that say: Oh!, Samantha Smith. (G)

In each quatrain, the first and third lines rhyme with each other (A and C), and the second and fourth lines rhyme with each other (B and D). The final couplet has a distinct rhyme (G) that sets it apart from the rest of the poem. This rhyme scheme creates a sense of unity and coherence throughout the poem, while the final couplet provides a sense of closure and resolution. (GPT4)

Count the syllables of each line of the poem

(www.howmanysyllables.com)

Samanta Smith

10 It was a giant dream that set her chart

11 What Fates and Norns failed to make much longer 2

10 But she held the keys in her pen and heart

10 To unlock secrets of foe and anger.

10 When she stopped the world for a little while

10 She made it realize children do care

10 When they question nonsense in making wild

10 This precious orb in space we know is rare.

10 Ah!, let her be the last worried angel

9 For nuclear war that we want to cease

10 And let us make her a saint and laurel

10 Carry to her each time we pray for peace.

10 She will live for ever, the well known myth

10 Of two worlds that say: Oh!, Samantha Smith.

***

What other analysis is worth doing on the poem?

In addition to analyzing the rhyme scheme, there are several other aspects of the poem worth examining:

1-. Imagery and symbolism: The poem uses various images and symbols to convey its message. For example, Samantha Smith is described as a "giant dream" and a "worried angel," emphasizing her importance and the impact she had on the world. The references to "Fates and Norns" and "saint and laurel" connect her to mythological and religious figures, suggesting her role as a symbol of peace and hope.

2-. Tone and mood: The tone of the poem is reverential and hopeful, expressing admiration for Samantha Smith and her efforts to promote peace. The mood is a mix of melancholy, due to her untimely death, and optimism, as her legacy continues to inspire others.

3-. Diction and language: The poet uses formal and elevated language, which is typical of sonnets. This choice of diction adds to the poem's solemn and respectful tone. The use of words like "nonsense" and "wild" to describe war and destruction highlights the irrationality of such actions, while words like "precious" and "rare" emphasize the value of the Earth and the need to protect it.

4-. Theme: The central theme of the poem is the power of an individual, even a child, to make a difference in the world. Samantha Smith's actions are portrayed as having a significant impact on global perceptions of war and peace. The poem also explores themes of hope, unity, and the importance of preserving the planet for future generations.

5-. Structure and form: As mentioned earlier, the poem follows the structure of a traditional English sonnet. Analyzing how the poet uses this form to convey his message can provide insight into the poem's overall meaning and impact. For example, the three quatrains each present a different aspect of Samantha Smith's life and legacy, while the final couplet serves to summarize and emphasize her lasting influence.

By examining these aspects of the poem, you can gain a deeper understanding of its meaning, the poet's intentions, and the impact of Samantha Smith's actions on the world. (GPT4)

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