Sonnet—To Science, Edgar Allan Poe: Summary, Analysis & Themes

"Sonnet—To Science", also known simply as "To Science", is a traditional 14-line English sonnet that laments the influence of science on the imaginative and spiritual realms. In this poem, Edgar Allan Poe expresses concern over how the rise of modern science, with its focus on facts and reason, has stripped away the mystery and beauty from the world—elements that poets and dreamers cherish. Science, in Poe's view, leaves little room for the mythological and spiritual interpretations that once filled the world with wonder.

"Sonnet—To Science" Poem Text by Edgar Allan Poe

Science! true daughter of Old Time thou art!
Who alterest all things with thy peering eyes.
Why preyest thou thus upon the poet’s heart,
Vulture, whose wings are dull realities?
How should he love thee? or how deem thee wise,
Who wouldst not leave him in his wandering
To seek for treasure in the jewelled skies,
Albeit he soared with an undaunted wing?
Hast thou not dragged Diana from her car?
And driven the Hamadryad from the wood
To seek a shelter in some happier star?
Hast thou not torn the Naiad from her flood,
The Elfin from the green grass, and from me
The summer dream beneath the tamarind tree?

Quick Facts

Title:	Sonnet—To Science
Author:	Edgar Allan Poe
First Published:	1829
Form:	English Sonnet
Themes:	Conflict between Science and Imagination, Loss of Mystery, Mythology
Notable Features:	Mythological Allusions, Critical Tone, Vivid Imagery

Summary of "Sonnet—To Science"

"Sonnet—To Science" addresses Science as a figure that strips the world of beauty and mystery. The poem’s speaker criticizes Science for its relentless questioning and logical approach, which takes away from the poet’s ability to dream and imagine. The speaker refers to Science as a "vulture," preying on the poet’s heart and grounding him in harsh realities. He argues that Science has dispelled many of the mythological and supernatural elements that once enriched the world, such as the goddess Diana, the Hamadryads (tree spirits), the Naiads (water nymphs), and Elves. For the poet, Science has even taken away personal moments of peace and inspiration, such as his "summer dream beneath the tamarind tree."

Critical Analysis of "Sonnet—To Science"

"Sonnet—To Science" reflects Edgar Allan Poe’s concern over the growing influence of science and reason during the 19th century. Poe, a romantic at heart, saw the rise of science as a threat to imagination, spirituality, and the mystical interpretations of the world. He uses the figure of Science to criticize how logic and empirical observation "alter" all things, diminishing the beauty and wonder poets find in nature and mythology.

The sonnet is structured as a lament, filled with a sense of loss as the poet describes how mythological figures such as Diana (the goddess of the moon and hunting), the Hamadryad (tree spirit), the Naiad (water nymph), and the Elfin have been banished by Science’s rational gaze. These figures represent the enchantment and mystery that Poe feels have been eroded by scientific inquiry. In calling Science a "vulture," Poe uses vivid imagery to express his disdain for its destructive influence on the poet’s heart and imagination.

Key Themes in "Sonnet—To Science"

• Conflict Between Science and Imagination: Poe emphasizes the tension between scientific fact and poetic imagination, suggesting that science’s emphasis on logic detracts from the poet’s ability to dream and create.
• Loss of Mystery: The poem mourns the loss of mystery and myth in a world dominated by scientific reasoning, which reduces the supernatural to mere facts.
• Mythological Allusions: Poe invokes various mythological figures—Diana, Hamadryads, Naiads, and Elves—as symbols of a world once filled with magic and wonder, now diminished by Science.

Stylistic Analysis of "Sonnet—To Science"

• Sonnet Structure: As a traditional English sonnet, the poem follows a 14-line format with a rhyme scheme, adding formality to Poe's critique of Science.
• Personification of Science: Science is depicted as a female figure, the "true daughter of Old Time," representing both its long-standing authority and its cold, rational power.
• Vivid Imagery: Poe uses powerful imagery to highlight the destructive effects of Science on poetic inspiration, such as the vulture metaphor and mythological allusions.
• Critical Tone: The tone of the poem is critical and mournful, reflecting the speaker's dissatisfaction with how Science undermines the poet’s creativity.