SONNETS

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 TWO TYPES…

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

I can’t believe I didn’t realize itWhen I knew what was going to happen

Instead of acting I just wait and sitI think it must be something of a sin 

I knew that she was in trouble that nightBut I stayed inside of my house safely

They were coming for her, she would not fightShe is gone now and now is when I see I am standing before her grave today

She is now gone and I am standing hereI could have saved her but I stayed at home

And now I just have one last thing to sayAnd I want to make to myself very clear

Don’t leave anyone to suffer alone

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: AHappen: BSit: ASin: 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 to in the past or present? What does this sonnet mean to you?

I am going to make it how ‘bout youWith every single day I get closerNobody else cares about what I do

But of just one little thing I am sure Making it is not an option for me

Nothing expected of me by othersI am going to be better you see

I’m going to inspire another My name may never ever be in books

It may not be spoken on televisionNo one will ever give me a second look

But this is a very important decisionBetter is what I am going to getI just haven’t made it there yet.

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- ACloser- BDo- ASure- B

Me- COthers- DSee- CAnother- D

DECIPHERING SONNETSBooks- ETelevision- FLook- EDecision- F

Get- GYet- G

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?

WHAT DOES SONNET 2 MEAN TO YOU? Write a paragraph about what sonnet 1

could mean to in the past or present? What does this sonnet mean to you?