"On looking up by chance at the constellations"

Question 1

“On looking up by chance at the constellations” - ‘chance’

Answer 1

humanity’s lack of understanding/appreciation of cosmic nature

Question 2

“Northern lights that run like tingling nerves”

Answer 2

simplifies such a complex process process. Humans only understand humans, they can’t comprehend nature’s wonders.

Question 3

“sun and moon get crossed but they never touch”
“nor strike out”
“nor crash”

Answer 3

the personification of human anger. The sun and moon carry on unlike humans, the universe is so much more complex than humanity.
‘crash’ - thunder and lightning link to human emotion. Human perception

Question 4

“look elsewhere to than to the stars and moon and sun.”

Answer 4

humanity looks toward the sky when bad/unfortunate things happen even though they do not know anything about the power of the universe. Sky is associated with hope.

Question 5

“shocks and changes we need to keep us sane.”

Answer 5

humanity thrives off dramatic change presenting humanity as pathetic.

Question 6

“It is true that the longest drouth will end in rain, The longest peace in China will end in strife

Answer 6

Juxtaposition of peace and suffering. Nature causes peace to be restored but the reason for things ending badly is humanity.

Question 7

“The Watcher”

Answer 7

Passive - humanity

Question 8

“On his particular time in personal sight. That calm seems certainly safe to last tonight.”

Answer 8

humanity’s short time in the universe compared to nature’s immortality

Question 9

Form: short-length of the poem

Answer 9

highlights how small and insignificant humanity is compared to the wonders and complexities of the universe.