Poem 4: "Sonnet - To Science" Summary

Here, Poe laments the advent of science, claiming that science "alterest all things with thy peering eyes." (line 2, pg.241). He uses literary and fantasy references, such as Diana, the Roman goddess of the moon, animals, and hunting, Hamadryad, a wood nymph (and a large venomous snake), and elves to contrast against the dull realities of science.

Poem 4: "Sonnet - To Science" Analysis

Poe wrote in a note, published in The Raven and Other Poems (1845), claiming that this was one of the poems he had written in his youth. It does indeed seem to be a youthful piece with idealistic leanings toward the superiority of imagination.