ENGLISH LITERATURE (CBSE/UGC NET)

Detailed explanation-1: -Astrophel and Stella, an Elizabethan sonnet sequence of 108 sonnets, interspersed with 11 songs, by Sir Philip Sidney, written in 1582 and published posthumously in 1591. The work is often considered the finest Elizabethan sonnet cycle after William Shakespeare’s sonnets.

Detailed explanation-2: -In this sonnet, Sidney – narrating as Astrophil – is expressing that he hopes his pity will win over his desired lover, Stella, and he is attempting to convey is love for her in verse. Hence, this poem touches on the theme of the value of poetry, which Shakespeare and Spenser did as well.

Detailed explanation-3: -At the end of the sonnet, Astrophil tries to persuade her into making love with him despite her marriage vows. As a result, Stella ends the relationship and begins to let him know that the affair could no longer be consummated. Even though Stella loves Astrophil she will not continue to break her marriage vows.

Detailed explanation-4: -At the closure of Astrophil and Stella, Sidney delineates the painful antithesis of the joyous transformation that is implicit in healthy and successful human love: sonnet 108 paints a dark speaking picture of failed spiritual and emotional alchemy.

Detailed explanation-5: -Stella is kind to Astrophil, but she is married. Astrophil is aware of the marriage, and knows Stella is unhappy. Astrophil desires to make love to Stella, but she ends the affair since he wants to consumate it.