In Philip Larkin's poem "Sad Steps," the imagery and style evoke themes and references that connect to Philip Sidney’s sonnet sequence Astrophel and Stella. Here’s why option 3, "Philip Sidney’s ‘Astrophel and Stella’," is the correct answer:
Imagery and Tone: Larkin’s description of the moon and clouds carries a melancholic and reflective tone. Sidney’s Astrophel and Stella often deals with themes of unfulfilled desire, melancholy, and contemplation, which resonate with Larkin’s exploration of emotional distance and the passage of time.
Historical Context and Literary Tradition: Sidney’s Astrophel and Stella is a significant work in the tradition of sonnet sequences that influence later poets. Larkin, though a modern poet, is engaging with the themes and conventions established by earlier poets. The way Larkin evokes the moon and clouds can be seen as part of this tradition, where natural imagery often reflects inner emotional states.
Specific Allusions: Larkin’s use of the moon and clouds can be seen as an allusion to the way Sidney uses celestial imagery in Astrophel and Stella to explore themes of love and longing. Although Larkin’s approach is more modern and detached, the thematic connection to Sidney’s work is evident.
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