Understanding the ARCHAIC PRONOUNS Used in Poetry

      A pronoun is a part of speech which is used to take the place of nouns. This is so because repetition of nouns is not very good to hear nor read.

     In literature, you should've noticed by now the use of some words like you see in the matrix above (written in purple). They are archaic pronouns. Which means they are not really often used in speech nowadays. You often wonder what they mean, how and when to use them.
     The matrix above shows how personal pronouns are used vis-a-vis their corresponding archaic pronouns.These archaic pronouns are often seen or used in poetry as they still give that classic effect; just make sure you are using them correctly. Well, be guided by the matrix above.

NOMINATIVE PRONOUNS
     These personal pronouns are used as subjects in sentences. 

• THOU

     

...read full sonnet

In plain text:

          How it hurts when you do all that you can

In your mother's eyes you are just a botch

....sonnet 134 - read more

In plain text:

I have lost him; you have lost both him and me:

• YE

...read full sonnet

In plain text:

It never quirks no matter where you hew.

He is content to flop; he knows no pomp

...read full poem

In plain text:

You gather rose-buds while you may

Old Time is still a-flying;

OBJECTIVE PRONOUNS

     These personal pronouns receivers of actions (found after a verb; answers the question who or to whom), or objects of prepositions (found after a preposition).

• THEE

In plain text:

How do I love you? Let me count the ways.

I love you to the depth and breadth and height

• THINE

...read full text

In plain text:

Why should I go to seek your face?
No face but you I see?

POSSESSIVE PRONOUNS

     These personal pronouns show ownership thus, they answer the question "whose".

• THY

...read full poem

In plain text:

Your vows are all broken,
And light is your fame;

• THINE

...read full text

In plain text:

Drink to me, only with your eyes,
And I will pledge with mine;