Shakespearean Astronomy: Analysis Of Sonnet 14

Fertility can be the basis of a nation. Fertility is what drives a society. It is the very thing that creates a new generation. This, in turn, allows for innovation and culture to continue. Shakespeare’s Sonnet 14 explores exactly this idea. Shakespeare’s Sonnet 14, written in traditional Elizabethan style, follows the rhyme scheme of a sonnet. Shakespeare, as he did in earlier sonnets addresses a man by offering a comment on the role that the heavens have played in his life, especially with regards to his future generation.

In Shakespearean literature at its height, “astronomy” and “astrology” were almost identical. They were therefore used interchangeably. This wordplay has a significant meaning in terms of their denotation. Astrology is more of a spiritual interpretation of the stars, while astronomy is more of a scientific study. This note creates a double-meaning where the word astronomy is spoken. In Sonnet 14, the speaker acknowledges that he understands “astronomy,” but he refuses to use his scientific knowledge when faced with judgment. The narrator clarifies that, despite being knowledgeable about the sky, he doesn’t use it to make decisions. The reader is reassured that the speaker, though intelligent, does not rely on his bias.

In that statement, the narrator denounces both his transcendental and astrological abilities. He recognizes that he cannot predict bad future omens. He reveals that he is unable to predict the future.

The narrator cannot describe the troubles of an individual, “thunder and rain” or “wind, wind, and rain”, with any certainty. He also cannot predict the importance of a country. He cannot predict the future of a kingdom based on his own interpretation of the stars. In the second quadrant of the speech, the speaker denies that the stars could provide the answers to any life questions. In describing how the stars can’t determine the speaker’s judgments, he emphasizes his later ability to predict the future for the boy.

The narrator is certain of one thing, despite all the evidence. He makes this claim not through science, but rather from the perspective of the young boy to whom he dedicates the sonnet. The boy sees stars as a future fortune. The narrator is left in no doubt by these “constant stars”. The narrator is unable to predict the future of events in nature or his own personal experiences from the stars of reality. However, he knows that the stars of the boy’s eyes are a symbol of the truth and beauty of the boy if he doesn’t pass on this gift of life. Truth and beauty “thrive”, in essence, through fertility. When truth and beauty remain hidden, they die.

Note that the speaker refers to natural events as the “dearths”, or famines. Also, the “seasons’ qualities”, or weather conditions or subsequent quality in the harvest are also mentioned. This line implies a few things, but all with an ironic twist. Although a dearth has the same meaning of a death, it’s only one letter apart from “famine”. This is meant to remind the reader that natural circumstances were grave for the people at the time. It also emphasizes how important it was not to have an heir. Shakespeare emphasizes the importance of having an heir by focusing on the truth and beauty values.

Sonnet 14 features the use of astrological and astronomical references. The structure of the poem suggests that humility can be used to tell a cautionary story, like that procreation is necessary for a good life. The speaker places this burden on the shoulders of the young boy, but also relates it to maintaining a community, generation after generation.