Introduction
Understanding Shakespearean sonnets: Responding to questions on Sonnet 130
What is a Sonnet?
A sonnet is a 14 line poem which traditionally is used as a way to declare love for someone – you say brilliant things about them and tell them how much you love them!
•Early sonnets were used to express one’s love for someone else – they were usually used to idolise a woman.
DISCUSS: What sort of things would you put in a sonnet?
•What kind of comparisons would you make when speaking about a loved one?
•If you loved them would you compare them to something nice or horrible?
Form of a Shakespearean Sonnet:
What Is the Structure of a Shakespearean Sonnet?
Sonnets already contained fourteen lines before Shakespeare adapted the form. However, the Shakespearean form is easily characterized by its structure, meter, and rhyme scheme.
A rhyme scheme is the rhyming sequence or arrangement of sounds at the end of each line of poetry. It is typically represented by using letters to demonstrate which lines rhyme with which.
For example:
Roses are red—A
Violets are blue—B
Sugar is sweet—C
And so are you—B
A Shakespearean sonnet employs the following rhyme scheme across its fourteen lines—which, again, are broken up into three quatrains plus a two-line coda:
ABAB CDCD EFEF GG
Task
Activity 1.1:
|
1. |
What form does this poem take? Provide a reason for your answer. |
(2) |
|
2. |
Identify the Rhyme scheme. |
(1) |
|
3. |
Write a paragraph describing the speaker's "mistress" in this poem. In your paragraph make sure to answer the following questions: What colour is her skin? Her breasts? Her cheeks? Her hair? What is the texture of her hair like? What does her breath smell like? What does her voice sound like? When his mistress walks, how does she walk? |
(5) |
|
4. |
What is Shakespeare’s intention in writing this poem? Provide two reasons |
(2) |
|
5. |
Provide a synonym for the word “dun” in line 3 |
(1) |
|
6. |
Rewrite lines 5-6 in more modern English so that the meaning is conveyed. |
(2) |
|
7. |
Do you think the last two lines make up for the rest of the things the speaker says about his mistress? Provide a reason for your answer. |
(2) |
|
8. |
Why does the poet think his love is rare? |
(1) |
|
9. |
A) How does this poem contrast (apparently) with what other poets claim about their mistresses? B) In other poems to what sort of supernatural being do they apparently contrast their lovers to? |
(1)
(1) |
Activity 1.2
- In your groups, go through the poem once again and establish which 3 lines of the poem appeals to you most as a groups. This should be a democratic process. Thereafter establishing the lines that appeal to you most, you are then required to write down a paragraph of no less than 150 words why these lines appeal most to you. Also in your paragraph, suggest ways that you think the author could have described his Mistress.
- This activity should be done in your English P2 Class workbook.
MARKS: [10]
Creative writing Section: Informal letter [25]
Instructions:
Write between 190 – 250 words. Write an informal letter to the love of your life, the UNCOVENTIONAL theme/approach should be held throughout the letter. Write this letter in such a way that when your lover gets to the end of this letter she smiles and forgets about all the “horrible” things that one has made mention of as a result of writing the letter in the UNCOVENTIONAL style. Be creative and affirm the love of your life that you love her. If you need more examples of the unconventional style of writing, please refer to the sonnet that we have done in class “Sonnet 130” and the attached poem “Witch Wife” by Edna St. Vincent Millay - 1892-1950.
Writing: Homework should be completed in the English P2 Class workbook. Write today’s date and complete the work as required of you.
Rubric: The Rubric to guide you in the writing process is attached. Follow the guidelines and mark allocations.
Submission: Books are to be presented in class for them to be signed if completed. Books will be collected at the end of the week as per norm.
POEM ATTACHED FOR REFERENCE: WITCH – WIFE - Edna St. Vincent Millay - 1892-1950.
Process
The tasks presented above should be type and and email to the instructor (Me) email: ajezile1985@gmail.com
1. Use Arial 12, 1.5 line spacing.
2. Submission time and date: May 30th 2021
3. You may also use the version of the poem we analysed in class today.
4. Here below I have given you links to help you understand more the analysis.
Link of the poem analysis:
Link for the poem reading:
Evaluation
1. Mark allocations are present on the activities.
2. Refer to the rubric that has been handed out to you in Class.
Conclusion
Remember at all times that sonnet 130 follows an Unconventional approach, and that it unlike the other poems. Keep that in Mind!!!
You should be able to complete the tasks without any hassles.
You are also most welcome to address any questions with me on the provided email if there any.
Thank you! Good Luck!! I look Forward to reading your work!!
Credits
For those who submits 5 days before the submission day will all get 5 bonus points to start off with!!!
1. Activity 1.1: [18 Marks]
2. Activity 1.2: [10 Marks]
3. Creative writing section: [20 Marks]
Teacher Page
Teacher: Asanele Jezile
Grade 10 English Teacher