Astrophel and Stella
"Astrophel and Stella" is a sonnet sequence written by the English poet Sir Philip Sidney in the late 16th century. It consists of 108 sonnets and 11 songs, exploring themes of love, desire, and the pain of unrequited affection. The work is notable for its innovative use of the Petrarchan sonnet form and its emotional depth.
The sequence tells the story of Astrophel, a passionate lover, and Stella, the object of his affection. Through their interactions, Sidney delves into the complexities of love, blending personal experience with literary tradition. The work has had a lasting influence on English poetry and is considered a significant contribution to the Elizabethan literary canon.