Wedlock

Wedlock

by Benjamin Franklin

Wedlock, as old men note, hath likened being,
Unto a public crowd or common rout;
Where those that are without would fain get in,
And those that are within would fain get out.
Grief often treads upon the heels of pleasure,
Married in haste, we oft repent at leisure;
Some by experience find these words misplaced,
Married at leisure, they repent in haste.

Unlocking “Wedlock”: A First Look at Franklin’s Insight

Welcome, poetry explorers, to a fascinating journey into Benjamin Franklin’s concise yet profound poem, “Wedlock.” This isn’t a typical romantic verse; instead, it offers a remarkably sharp and often humorous observation on the institution of marriage. Far from a simple celebration, “Wedlock” delves into the complex, sometimes contradictory, feelings associated with committing to another person. The poem’s central idea brilliantly captures the paradoxical nature of marriage: it is an institution many eagerly seek to enter, yet once inside, some find themselves longing for an exit. This timeless perspective on human desire and potential discontentment makes “Wedlock” a poem that resonates deeply, even centuries after its creation. It is a piece that encourages us to consider the realities of relationships, acknowledging both their allure and their challenges.

Diving Deeper into “Wedlock”: An Expert Analysis

The Paradox of Desire and Discontent

The poem immediately establishes its core theme with a striking comparison that sets a pragmatic tone. Franklin suggests that “Wedlock, as old men note, hath likened being, / Unto a public crowd or common rout.” This isn’t the imagery of starry-eyed romance; instead, a “public crowd or common rout” evokes a sense of bustling chaos, perhaps even a loss of individual space. This vivid metaphor prepares us for the poem’s central paradox, articulated in the very next lines:

Where those that are without would fain get in,
And those that are within would fain get out.

These lines perfectly encapsulate the human tendency to desire what is just out of reach, only to sometimes grow weary of it once attained. Those outside marriage often idealize it, seeing it as a desirable state of belonging and companionship. Conversely, those who are already married might, at times, yearn for the freedom and independence they associate with being single. This keen observation highlights the universal human experience of seeking happiness and fulfillment, even when the path chosen proves to be more complex than initially imagined.

The Dance of Pleasure and Grief

Franklin continues his realistic portrayal of marriage by acknowledging the inevitable intertwining of joy and sorrow. The line “Grief often treads upon the heels of pleasure” introduces the idea that happiness and hardship are not always separate experiences, but often follow one another closely. This isn’t a pessimistic statement, but rather a recognition of life’s inherent complexities. It suggests that even in the most loving and fulfilling relationships, challenges and moments of sadness are an integral part of the journey. This line serves as a thoughtful bridge, preparing the reader for the poem’s exploration of decisions and their consequences.

The Timeless Question of Timing

Perhaps the most memorable and thought provoking lines of “Wedlock” address the wisdom, or lack thereof, in the timing of marriage. Franklin first presents a common adage:

Married in haste, we oft repent at leisure;

This familiar saying warns against impulsive decisions, suggesting that a quick marriage often leads to long, drawn out regret. However, Franklin, with his characteristic wit and insight, immediately subverts this conventional wisdom, offering a surprising counterpoint:

Some by experience find these words misplaced,
Married at leisure, they repent in haste.

Here, Franklin reveals a deeper truth: even those who take their time, carefully considering their commitment, can still find themselves regretting their choice, sometimes quite suddenly. This brilliant twist suggests that there is no perfect formula or guaranteed path to marital happiness. Whether one marries quickly or slowly, the potential for both joy and regret remains, reminding us that human emotions and relationships are inherently unpredictable.

Poetic Devices in “Wedlock”: Crafting Meaning

Benjamin Franklin masterfully employs several poetic devices to enhance the impact and memorability of “Wedlock.”

• Metaphor: The poem opens with a powerful metaphor, likening “Wedlock” to “a public crowd or common rout.” This comparison immediately sets a tone of bustling reality rather than idealized romance, suggesting the often overwhelming and less private aspects of married life.
• Antithesis: Franklin skillfully uses antithesis, the juxtaposition of contrasting ideas, to highlight the poem’s central paradoxes. The most prominent example is the contrast between “those that are without would fain get in, / And those that are within would fain get out.” This stark opposition effectively conveys the conflicting desires surrounding marriage. Similarly, “Grief often treads upon the heels of pleasure” presents another instance of contrasting emotions in close proximity.
• Aphorism: The poem itself functions much like an extended aphorism, a concise, pithy statement of a general truth or principle. Franklin was known for his aphoristic style, and “Wedlock” exemplifies this with its memorable, quotable lines that offer universal wisdom.
• Hypotaxis: The poem also demonstrates hypotaxis, a grammatical arrangement where clauses are dependent on one another. Consider the opening line: “Wedlock, as old men note, hath likened being.” The main idea of “Wedlock hath likened being” is elaborated upon and qualified by the subordinate clause “as old men note,” adding a layer of traditional wisdom to the observation.

Structure and Sound: The Poem’s Architecture

The structure of “Wedlock” is deceptively simple, yet highly effective. The poem is composed of two quatrains, or four line stanzas, which create a compact and focused exploration of its subject. This brevity contributes significantly to its immediate impact and memorability.

• Rhyme Scheme: The poem employs a consistent AABB CCDD rhyme scheme. For example, “being” rhymes with “being” (though “rout” and “out” are the true AABB in the first quatrain, and “pleasure” and “leisure” are the CC, “misplaced” and “haste” are the DD). Let us re-examine:
  

  Wedlock, as old men note, hath likened being, (A)
  Unto a public crowd or common rout; (B)
  Where those that are without would fain get in, (C)
  And those that are within would fain get out. (B)

  Ah, a closer look reveals the rhyme scheme is actually ABCB for the first quatrain, with “rout” and “out” rhyming. Let us correct this and look at the second quatrain:

  Grief often treads upon the heels of pleasure, (D)
  Married in haste, we oft repent at leisure; (D)
  Some by experience find these words misplaced, (E)
  Married at leisure, they repent in haste. (E)

  So, the rhyme scheme is ABCB DDEE. This structure provides a pleasing musicality and helps to make the poem easy to remember and recite, reinforcing its aphoristic quality.

• Meter: The poem primarily utilizes iambic tetrameter, meaning each line generally consists of four iambs (an iamb is a metrical foot with an unstressed syllable followed by a stressed syllable, da-DUM). This creates a natural, conversational rhythm that makes the poem feel accessible and direct, much like a wise observation shared among friends.
• End-Stopped Lines: Notice how most lines conclude with a punctuation mark, creating a pause at the end of each line. This use of end-stopped lines contributes to the poem’s aphoristic quality, allowing each line or couplet to deliver a distinct thought or observation with clarity and emphasis.

The Enduring Wisdom of “Wedlock”

“Wedlock” by Benjamin Franklin is far more than a simple poem; it is a profound commentary on human nature and the complexities of one of life’s most significant institutions. It is not a poem to be recited at a wedding, but rather one to be pondered and discussed, offering a realistic and thought provoking perspective that transcends time. The poem encourages us to look beyond idealized notions and embrace the full spectrum of experiences that relationships bring. Its opening lines, comparing marriage to a “public crowd or common rout,” invite us to consider the challenges of maintaining individuality within a committed partnership. Furthermore, the concluding lines, which cleverly twist the common wisdom about hasty marriages, remind us that there are no easy answers or perfect timings when it comes to love and commitment. Ultimately, “Wedlock” serves as a timeless reminder that relationships are intricate, imperfect, and require ongoing understanding and a realistic outlook. It is a poem that continues to spark conversation and offer valuable insights into the human heart.