Question

Explain how this passage from Sonnet 44 of Sir Philip Sidney's Astrophil and Stella contains the following:

A reference to Astrophil's problem (writing poetry that represents what is in his heart)
The problem with the spiritual separation between them in terms of Neoplatonism
An example of gradation
An example of Anadiplosis

Answer 1

Sir Philip Sidney's Sonnet 44 in Astrophil and Stella contains a reference to Astrophil's problem, the spiritual separation between the speaker and his love in relation to Neoplatonism, gradation, and anadiplosis.

Step-by-step explanation:

In Sonnet 44 of Astrophil and Stella, Sir Philip Sidney references Astrophil's problem of writing poetry that represents what is in his heart. This can be seen in the following line: 'For what care I who calls my thoughts a dream?'

The poem also explores the problem of spiritual separation between Astrophil and Stella, which is a central theme of Neoplatonism. This is evident in the line: 'But my soul's captive, and loves conquest's folie.'

An example of gradation can be found in the stanza: 'Then, lest my liking may too sudden prove,' where Sidney presents a gradual progression of emotions.

An example of anadiplosis is seen in the line: 'Sweet soul, in this sweet censure of my smart.' Here, the word 'sweet' is repeated at the beginning and end of the phrase.