The paradox of fortitude



The fortitude of one, a maleficence,
For whilst others necessitate aid,
One is e'er willing to proffer solace,
Assistance, yet when in need themselves,
They find scarce a single individual
Willing to proffer a shoulder for leaning upon,
For they deem their own strength inadequate
And themselves too humble to sustain one of such grandeur.
But true felicity is found in expecting less
From others and living one's own life with zest.

About this poem

This sonnet explores the theme of self-sufficiency and the paradox of individuals who are willing to offer aid to others yet struggle to accept help themselves. The use of complex words such as "maleficence" and "solace" adds a sophisticated and elevated tone to the piece. The rhyme scheme of the sonnet follows the traditional Shakespearean pattern of ABAB CDCD EFEF GG. The final couplet serves as a resolution to the theme, emphasizing the idea that true happiness can be found in being content with oneself and not relying on others. The sonnet employs imagery of the shoulder and grandeur to convey the idea of support and self-worth. Overall, the sonnet is a thought-provoking reflection on the human condition and the nuances of self-reliance. 

Font size:
Collection  PDF     
 

Written on January 17, 2023

Submitted by Mawphniang.Napoleon on January 16, 2023

Modified on March 05, 2023

24 sec read
6

Quick analysis:

Scheme ABAACDEFAG
Closest metre Iambic hexameter
Characters 433
Words 78
Stanzas 1
Stanza Lengths 10

Mawphniang Napoleon

Mawphniang is a person who is always striving to live life to the fullest. He is someone who is always open to new ideas and ways of living and is unafraid to take risks in order to explore the unknown. He is passionate about life and is always looking for ways to make use of his time and energy. He has an inquisitive nature, and is always looking for answers to life's mysteries and questions. Though Mawphniang does not pretend to have all the answers, he is determined to taste life and live a simple life, without overcomplicating things. He's a person who appreciates the small moments and cherishes the little things in life. He enjoys spending time in nature, exploring the world, and connecting with people. He is a person who is always up for a new adventure and never stops learning. He is on a daily journey of self-discovery, trying to make sense of the world and his place in it. more…

All Mawphniang Napoleon poems | Mawphniang Napoleon Books

3 fans

Discuss the poem The paradox of fortitude with the community...

0 Comments

    Translation

    Find a translation for this poem in other languages:

    Select another language:

    • - Select -
    • 简体中文 (Chinese - Simplified)
    • 繁體中文 (Chinese - Traditional)
    • Español (Spanish)
    • Esperanto (Esperanto)
    • 日本語 (Japanese)
    • Português (Portuguese)
    • Deutsch (German)
    • العربية (Arabic)
    • Français (French)
    • Русский (Russian)
    • ಕನ್ನಡ (Kannada)
    • 한국어 (Korean)
    • עברית (Hebrew)
    • Gaeilge (Irish)
    • Українська (Ukrainian)
    • اردو (Urdu)
    • Magyar (Hungarian)
    • मानक हिन्दी (Hindi)
    • Indonesia (Indonesian)
    • Italiano (Italian)
    • தமிழ் (Tamil)
    • Türkçe (Turkish)
    • తెలుగు (Telugu)
    • ภาษาไทย (Thai)
    • Tiếng Việt (Vietnamese)
    • Čeština (Czech)
    • Polski (Polish)
    • Bahasa Indonesia (Indonesian)
    • Românește (Romanian)
    • Nederlands (Dutch)
    • Ελληνικά (Greek)
    • Latinum (Latin)
    • Svenska (Swedish)
    • Dansk (Danish)
    • Suomi (Finnish)
    • فارسی (Persian)
    • ייִדיש (Yiddish)
    • հայերեն (Armenian)
    • Norsk (Norwegian)
    • English (English)

    Citation

    Use the citation below to add this poem to your bibliography:

    Style:MLAChicagoAPA

    "The paradox of fortitude" Poetry.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 28 Mar. 2024. <https://www.poetry.com/poem/148803/the-paradox-of-fortitude>.

    Become a member!

    Join our community of poets and poetry lovers to share your work and offer feedback and encouragement to writers all over the world!

    March 2024

    Poetry Contest

    Join our monthly contest for an opportunity to win cash prizes and attain global acclaim for your talent.
    3
    days
    2
    hours
    41
    minutes

    Special Program

    Earn Rewards!

    Unlock exciting rewards such as a free mug and free contest pass by commenting on fellow members' poems today!

    Browse Poetry.com

    Quiz

    Are you a poetry master?

    »
    A long narrative poem that tells the adventures of a heroic figure is called an _______.
    A ballad
    B ode
    C epic
    D sonnet