SONNETS

Vocabulary

Irony – A disconnect between what is (reality) and

what seems to be (appearance). 3 types:

Dramatic – when an audience knows something that the characters on stage do not.

Verbal – using words to compare reality and appearance.

Situational – when events align in a way that compare reality and appearance.

Couplet – two linked lines of poetry that rhyme.

What is a sonnet? A sonnet is a 14 lined poem. It means “little song.” It has a strict rhyme scheme. It uses Iambic Pentameter.

10 syllables per line.5 beats per line.

There are multiple types…

However we will focus on:

ItalianShakespearean

Italian

Octave: 8 lines describes the conflict or problem

Sestet: 6 lines gives a resolution

Rhyme Scheme: A B A B C D C D E F G E F G

Shakespearean

Because William Shakespeare became a great practitioner.

3 Quatrains and a couplet Quatrain: 4 lines each Couplet: 2 lines The couplet is closed, which means it

rhymes.

Shakespearean

The quatrains introduce the problem or conflict.

The couplet introduces the resolution or solution.

Shakespearean

Rhyme Scheme: A B A B C D C D E F E F GG

Uses Iambic Pentameter

Deciphering Sonnets

Sonnet 1: Read the sonnet. First, look at the sonnet’s construction.

This one has two quatrains (8 lines) And a sestet (6 lines) We can assume that the poem is Italian.

Deciphering Sonnets

However to be sure we have to look at the rhyme scheme: It: A Happen: B Sit: A Sin: B

• Night- C• Safely- D• Fight- C• See- D

• Today- E• Here- F• Home- G• Say- E• Clear- F• Alone- G

Deciphering Sonnets

Since the sonnet is Italian, we know the problem or conflict is in the first 8 lines. What is the conflict?

And we know the solution is in the last 6 lines. What is the resolution?

What does Sonnet 1 mean to you?

Write a paragraph about what sonnet 1 could mean in the past or present?

Journal Entry: How does Sonnet One relate to your life?

Deciphering Sonnets

Sonnet 2: Read the sonnet. First, look at the sonnet’s construction.

This one has three quatrains (4 lines each) And a closed couplet (2 lines that rhyme) We can assume that the poem is Shakespearean.

Deciphering Sonnets

But to be sure, we will look at the rhyme scheme: You- A Closer- B Do- A Sure- B

Me- C Others- D See- C Another- D

Deciphering Sonnets

Since the sonnet is Shakespearean, we know the problem or conflict is restated three times in the first three quatrains: What is the conflict?

And we know the solution is in the last 2 lines- the couplet. What is the resolution?

Deciphering Sonnets

Books- E TV- F Look- E Me- F

Be- G Me- G

What does Sonnet 2 mean to you?

What does this sonnet mean to you?