Desire: The Power Of Desire In Astrophil Lament

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A strong feeling of wanting to have something or wishing for something to happen is defined as desire. Desire is an emotion and it is the focus of the poem “Astrophil Laments” which convinces the reader of the power of this emotion. “Astrophil Laments” is a lyrical allegory sonnet consisting of one stanza without a known author or published date. It is written in third person omniscient point of view and focuses on the power of emotions, desire in particular. Through the authors use of sound and diction the poem emits the depth, strength and unpredictability of the power of desire.
Sound devices are resources used by poets to skillfully convey and reinforce the meaning of and feeling and mood of a poem. This sonnet has a rhyme scheme of abba-cddc-efef-gg which is shown to be true in lines 13 and 14, “cries” and “lies”. The rhyme between words in this poem …show more content…

In addition to the rhyme scheme in the sonnet there are also examples of slant rhyme. An example is found in lines 5 and 8, “test” and “possessed”. Finally, the speaker uses couplets to create emphasis. For example, a couplet can be seen in lines 13 and 14 and seen above with “cries” and “lies”. To further emphasize the power of desire the speaker uses diction.
Diction is the choice and use of words and phrases in speech or writing. In the sonnet “Astrophil Laments” the style of language used is complex with many words originating in Latin, as well words linking to Greek mythology. In line 11, “But Stella commentitia, deluxe – “, the complex language is clearly revealed in the word choice of “commentitia”, the Latin

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