Literary notes about constellation (AI summary)
In literature, “constellation” is a versatile term that spans both literal descriptions of the heavens and rich metaphorical meanings. Authors use it to denote precise astronomical groups—such as the Pleiades [1], Orion [2], and Ursa Major [3, 4]—while also employing it metaphorically to suggest clusters of ideas, characters, or events as seen in references that liken a person’s worth to a whole “constellation” [5]. Moreover, some texts playfully or critically subvert its cosmic significance, as when a grouping is compared to a mere chemical molecule [6] or when the term is reimagined in cultural and mythological contexts [7, 8, 9]. This flexible use demonstrates how “constellation” can function both as a precise astronomical term and as a broad symbol for complexity and interconnectedness in literature.
- The constellation of the Pleiades is nearer to me than thou!
— from The Thousand and One Nights, Vol. I. - That is the constellation of Orion, which, in our hemisphere, only becomes visible in September.”
— from Project Gutenberg Compilation of Short Stories by Chekhov by Anton Pavlovich Chekhov - The Hindus call the constellation of Ursa Major the Seven Rishis or Saints.
— from The Rámáyan of Válmíki, translated into English verse by Valmiki - The saints who form the constellation of Ursa Major. 297.
— from The Rámáyan of Válmíki, translated into English verse by Valmiki - One such soul, you know, is sometimes worth a whole constellation.
— from The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoyevsky - But perhaps that constellation is only a chemical molecule.
— from The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoyevsky - His abode was said to be the star K’uei, a name given by the Chinese to the sixteen stars of the constellation or ‘mansion’ of Andromeda and Pisces.
— from Myths and Legends of China by E. T. C. Werner - It was a constellation formed of the two star-groups Chio and K’ang, the first two on the list of twenty-eight Page 172 constellations.
— from Myths and Legends of China by E. T. C. Werner - I-k’ao was canonized by Chiang Tzu-ya, and appointed ruler of the constellation Tzu-wei of the North Polar heavens.
— from Myths and Legends of China by E. T. C. Werner
