"Joy Sonnet in a Random Universe" by Helen Chasin - External Structure

Joy Sonnet in a Random Universe is considered a sonnet but fails to abide by any of a sonnet’s rules. (Other than the 14 line rule) Chasin of course was just poking fun at the strict nature of sonnets by applying its rules to a block of unrecognizable and unrelated phrases.

Since sonnets rely on rhyme and sound. She purposefully used nonsensical words that only have meaning when spoken. After analyzing Shakespearian sonnets and identifying iambic pentameter, it’s nice to read a poem like Chasin’s.

Chasin also starts her poem off normally with the phrase, “Sometimes I’m happy” before going off on a tangent trying to express her joy. It’s also interesting to note the periods at the end of the 4th, 6th and 14th line which suggests some semblance of order. The poem’s block structure also suggests order and rigidity. Most likely, Chasin stuck in some sort of order through her use of periods and structure only to destroy that through her use of words. It’s just another example of how Chasin parodies a sonnet’s rigidity.