The Sestina's Unique Structure:
* Six stanzas of six lines, followed by a three-line envoi. The stanzas have a complex pattern of repeated words at the ends of the lines, creating a cyclical structure.
* Each word appears six times in the poem, but in a different position within the rhyme scheme. This creates a sense of repetition and echoing, mirroring the cyclical nature of memory and grief.
How the Structure Contributes to Meaning:
* Circular Narrative: The sestina's structure mimics the circular nature of the speaker's thoughts as they revisit memories of their deceased lover. The recurring words and phrases draw the reader into the speaker's emotional state, creating a sense of being trapped in a cycle of grief.
* Time and Memory: The repeated words and phrases create a sense of time passing, both in the immediate moment and the wider sweep of the speaker's life. The constant presence of these words in different positions emphasizes the cyclical nature of grief and memory.
* Emphasis on Loss: The repetition of the words "you" and "he" further emphasizes the loss at the heart of the poem. The speaker is haunted by the absence of their loved one, and the sestina structure reinforces this feeling of emptiness.
* Symbolism: The repeated words take on symbolic significance throughout the poem. For example, the repeated word "light" can refer both to the literal light of the world and the speaker's memories of their lover. The way these words shift meaning throughout the poem adds to the poem's complexity and depth.
In Summary:
The sestina's complex rhyme scheme is not just a formal device; it serves as a powerful tool that amplifies the poem's emotional weight and thematic resonance. The circularity of the form, the repetition of key words, and the way this structure reflects the speaker's state of mind, all contribute to a profound exploration of loss, memory, and the passage of time.