a lesson on sonnets by christine rodriguez

Sonnets ~Sonnets ~

Poetry of beauty…Poetry of beauty…

Click here to go to next screen…

How does this work?How does this work?

HAVE FUN WITH THIS…YOU’LL LOVE IT!

Go through this at your own pace.

Be sure you understand all of the information before you move on.

If at anytime you need to go back, use the mouse & click on

To move to the next screen, use the mouse to click on

What is the purpose & What is the purpose & goal goal

of this lessonof this lesson??PURPOSE: PURPOSE:

To learn about the styles, rhyme scheme, meter To learn about the styles, rhyme scheme, meter and format of various types of sonnets.and format of various types of sonnets.

GOAL: GOAL: At the completion of this lesson, At the completion of this lesson,

you will be able to do some really great stuff! you will be able to do some really great stuff! You will be able to recognize and identify You will be able to recognize and identify the styles, rhyme scheme and format of the styles, rhyme scheme and format of

Shakespearean, Spenserian and Petrarchan sonnets.Shakespearean, Spenserian and Petrarchan sonnets.

Why do I have to Why do I have to learn this stuff learn this stuff

anyway???anyway???IT’S SIMPLE, REALLY!IT’S SIMPLE, REALLY!Sonnets are really romantic Sonnets are really romantic and evoke many emotions! and evoke many emotions!

And there are a lot of styles and/or references to And there are a lot of styles and/or references to Renaissance sonnets in today’s culture and Renaissance sonnets in today’s culture and

society, society, like our music!!!like our music!!!

HERE WE GO….HERE WE GO….

Our first objective is to learn what a Our first objective is to learn what a sonnet is and how many lines of verse it sonnet is and how many lines of verse it

contains.contains.

REMEMBER…REMEMBER…

YOU CAN DO THIS!!!YOU CAN DO THIS!!!

I BELIEVE IN YOU!!!!I BELIEVE IN YOU!!!!

SSonnetonnet means “little song.”means “little song.”

It has 14 lines of rhymed verse…It has 14 lines of rhymed verse…so, in essence, it really is a little so, in essence, it really is a little

song!song!Those 14 lines, however, are Those 14 lines, however, are arranged in different ways…arranged in different ways…

depending on the type of sonnet.depending on the type of sonnet.

The 14 lines of a SONNET can be The 14 lines of a SONNET can be arranged in these combinations:arranged in these combinations:

Let’s go to the next slide to see what this all Let’s go to the next slide to see what this all means…means…

3 quatrains and a couplet3 quatrains and a couplet

OROR

an octave and sestet.an octave and sestet.

A QUATRAIN has 4 linesA QUATRAIN has 4 lines(See??? The root QUAT means FOUR)(See??? The root QUAT means FOUR)

A COUPLET is 2 linesA COUPLET is 2 lines(Get it??? A COUPLE is made of TWO)(Get it??? A COUPLE is made of TWO)

An OCTAVE is 8 linesAn OCTAVE is 8 lines(Remember, an OCTopus has EIGHT legs)(Remember, an OCTopus has EIGHT legs)

A SESTET has 6 linesA SESTET has 6 lines(SES is the root word for SIX)(SES is the root word for SIX)

It’s all making a little more sense, right?It’s all making a little more sense, right?

NOW… Let’s do the math!NOW… Let’s do the math!

OR OR they can have an octave (8 lines) and one sestet (6 they can have an octave (8 lines) and one sestet (6 lines).lines).

WHICH IS 8 + 6WHICH IS 8 + 6And that equals…And that equals…

You guessed it ~ 14 !!!You guessed it ~ 14 !!!

Sonnets can have 3 quatrains (4 lines) and a couplet (2 Sonnets can have 3 quatrains (4 lines) and a couplet (2 lines).lines).

THAT IS 3 x 4 +2THAT IS 3 x 4 +2And that equals 14 !!!And that equals 14 !!!

(I bet you didn’t know you could use those (I bet you didn’t know you could use those math skills here in English class, too. math skills here in English class, too.

Woohoo!)Woohoo!)

Are you ready to test your Are you ready to test your knowledge?knowledge?

If you are unsure, you can go back to the previous If you are unsure, you can go back to the previous screen(s)screen(s)

and review one more time.and review one more time.

If you feel you are ready, move on to the next If you feel you are ready, move on to the next screen. screen.

DirectionsDirections: Read the question carefully, then choose the : Read the question carefully, then choose the best answer, best answer, thenthen click on the arrow click on the arrow that indicates your choicethat indicates your choice..

Which is NOT a possible combination of lines in a Which is NOT a possible combination of lines in a sonnet? sonnet?

an octave and a sestet

an octave and a couplet

three quatrains and a couplet

An octave (8 lines) and a couplet (2 lines) An octave (8 lines) and a couplet (2 lines) would only equal 10 lines… would only equal 10 lines…

And we know a sonnet contains 14! And we know a sonnet contains 14!

Now that you have mastered this, let’s move on…Now that you have mastered this, let’s move on…

Sorry, you are incorrect.Sorry, you are incorrect.

It’s OK … let’s try again.It’s OK … let’s try again.

HERE’S A HINT:HERE’S A HINT:Remember, the combination of lines Remember, the combination of lines in a sonnet must equal 14. in a sonnet must equal 14.

Click here to go back to the question.

Are current artists influenced by Are current artists influenced by sonnets?sonnets?

ABSOLUTELY!ABSOLUTELY!

Did you know that sonnets were the Did you know that sonnets were the Renaissance’s form of hip-hop??? Renaissance’s form of hip-hop???

Your next objective is to defineYour next objective is to defineiambic pentameteriambic pentameter

and be able to recognize it in lines of and be able to recognize it in lines of sonnets.sonnets.

I know this sounds like crazy talk,I know this sounds like crazy talk,but I know you can do it!but I know you can do it!

HERE WE GO…HERE WE GO…

WHAT IS IAMBIC PENTAMETER?WHAT IS IAMBIC PENTAMETER?

Firstly, it is pronounced:Firstly, it is pronounced:EYE-AM-BICK PEN-TAM-EH-TEREYE-AM-BICK PEN-TAM-EH-TER

Basically, iambic pentameter is a line of Basically, iambic pentameter is a line of poetrypoetry

that is 10 syllables long!that is 10 syllables long!

Impressive, huh????Impressive, huh????

All sonnets are written in IAMBIC PENTAMETER!All sonnets are written in IAMBIC PENTAMETER!

This means that each of the 14 lines in a sonnetThis means that each of the 14 lines in a sonnethave EXACTLY 10 syllables!have EXACTLY 10 syllables!

Here is an example… Here is an example… Count the number of syllables in your head:Count the number of syllables in your head:

"I waked, she fled, and day brought back my night.""I waked, she fled, and day brought back my night."

Well, here is another example of iambic Well, here is another example of iambic pentameterpentameter

that you may be more familiar with…that you may be more familiar with…Count the number of syllables in your head:Count the number of syllables in your head:““Two trailer park girls go round the outside.”Two trailer park girls go round the outside.”

Remember that I told you that artists today Remember that I told you that artists today use the concepts of sonnets? use the concepts of sonnets?

Yes, that was from Eminem’s “Shady’s Back!”Yes, that was from Eminem’s “Shady’s Back!”See how it followed the format of iambic pentameter’s See how it followed the format of iambic pentameter’s

10 syllables per line???10 syllables per line???

COOL STUFF, HUH!?!?!COOL STUFF, HUH!?!?!

Are you ready for another question?Are you ready for another question?

If so, go to the next screen…If so, go to the next screen…If not, you can go back and review.If not, you can go back and review.

YOU CAN DO IT!YOU CAN DO IT!

That is the second thing you have learned about That is the second thing you have learned about sonnets!sonnets!

Sonnets are 14-lined poems Sonnets are 14-lined poems written in 10 syllables per line!written in 10 syllables per line!

Which of the following lines is NOT written in Which of the following lines is NOT written in IAMBIC PENTAMETER?IAMBIC PENTAMETER?

DirectionsDirections: Read the question carefully, choose the best answer,: Read the question carefully, choose the best answer, thenthen click on the arrow that indicates your choice. click on the arrow that indicates your choice.

My lover’s eyes are of the deepest blueFilled with sad tales of true love once denied.

All shaded and shadowed with different hues

Of desire once free that’s now confined.

You hit the nail on the head!You hit the nail on the head!“All shaded and shadowed with different

hues” had 11 syllables!

You knew that a line written in iambic pentameter had 10 syllables!

Let’s move on…

TRY AGAIN…TRY AGAIN…

Here’s a hint:Here’s a hint:

Iambic pentameterIambic pentameter is 10 syllables in a line of is 10 syllables in a line of poetry!poetry!

Incorrect…Incorrect…

Click here to go back to the Click here to go back to the question.question.

I know…I know…Isn’t this good stuff??Isn’t this good stuff??

Mrs. Rodriguez…This isn’t too bad!

I’m liking it!.

Here is your new objective:Here is your new objective:You will be able to recognize the rhyme You will be able to recognize the rhyme

scheme and characteristics of a scheme and characteristics of a Shakespearean sonnetShakespearean sonnet..

Shakespeare was the “G” of the Shakespeare was the “G” of the Renaissance…Renaissance…

Kind of like a modern-day Dr. Dre´Kind of like a modern-day Dr. Dre´

LET’S CHECK IT OUT…LET’S CHECK IT OUT…

Shakespeare, like I said, was a “G.”Shakespeare, like I said, was a “G.”He wrote over 150 sonnets!He wrote over 150 sonnets!

Let’s see what they are…Let’s see what they are…

Other than being written in fourteen lines Other than being written in fourteen lines and in iambic pentameter, and in iambic pentameter,

his sonnets had other characteristics his sonnets had other characteristics that made them unique.that made them unique.

Shakespearean sonnets are known as English Shakespearean sonnets are known as English sonnets and are made up of sonnets and are made up of

3 QUATRAINS AND A COUPLET…3 QUATRAINS AND A COUPLET…

And a Shakespearean sonnet has a unique And a Shakespearean sonnet has a unique rhyme schemerhyme scheme. .

Rhyme schemeRhyme scheme is the pattern of end rhyme in a is the pattern of end rhyme in a

poem. poem.

It is charted by assigning a letter of the alphabet, It is charted by assigning a letter of the alphabet, beginning with the letter beginning with the letter AA, to each line., to each line.

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN? WELL, LET’S SEE…WHAT DOES THIS MEAN? WELL, LET’S SEE…

Check out the poem below. Check out the poem below. Look closely to the last word in each Look closely to the last word in each

line.line.

See how they match with other end See how they match with other end words?words?

Shakespeare Sonnet 55Shakespeare Sonnet 55Not marble, nor the gildedNot marble, nor the gilded monuments monuments

AAOf princes, shall outlive this powerfulOf princes, shall outlive this powerful rhyme;rhyme;

BBBut you shall shine more bright in theseBut you shall shine more bright in these contents contents

AAThan unswept stone besmear'd with sluttishThan unswept stone besmear'd with sluttish time. time.

BBWhen wasteful war shall statuesWhen wasteful war shall statues overturnoverturn,,

CC And broils root out the work ofAnd broils root out the work of masonrymasonry,,DD

Nor Mars his sword nor war's quick fire shallNor Mars his sword nor war's quick fire shall burnburn CCThe living record of yourThe living record of your memorymemory..

DD'Gainst death and all-oblivious'Gainst death and all-oblivious enmityenmity EEShall you pace forth; your praise shall still findShall you pace forth; your praise shall still find roomroom

FFEven in the eyes of allEven in the eyes of all posterityposterity EEThat wear this world out to the endingThat wear this world out to the ending doom.doom.

FFSo, till the judgment that yourselfSo, till the judgment that yourself arisearise,,

GG You live in this, and dwell in lover’sYou live in this, and dwell in lover’s eyeseyes..GG

Now look at this poem… Now look at this poem… This is not actually written by Shakespeare.This is not actually written by Shakespeare.

One of my students from last year composed this:One of my students from last year composed this:

Do you see why it can still be considered a Shakespearean sonnet, Do you see why it can still be considered a Shakespearean sonnet, even though it was written by one of your peers just last year?even though it was written by one of your peers just last year?

There are times I look at you and I see,There are times I look at you and I see, All our fights and times of unhappiness, All our fights and times of unhappiness,At times I see love between you and me,At times I see love between you and me,

and them I wonder what caused such a mess. and them I wonder what caused such a mess.I love you more than you will ever know,I love you more than you will ever know,

You took my heart and opened up my eyes, You took my heart and opened up my eyes,You helped me to put away my sorrow,You helped me to put away my sorrow,

Your love helped me to spread my wings and fly. Your love helped me to spread my wings and fly.If you only knew how you make me feel,If you only knew how you make me feel,

You stole my heart and I gave you my soul, You stole my heart and I gave you my soul,Wrapped in your arms it feels so surreal,Wrapped in your arms it feels so surreal,

It is this love that makes my life feel full. It is this love that makes my life feel full.I now know how it feels to be in love,I now know how it feels to be in love,

You are my angel sent from high above. You are my angel sent from high above.

Did you recognize that Shakespearean Did you recognize that Shakespearean sonnets sonnets

have a rhyme scheme ofhave a rhyme scheme ofABABCDCDEFEFGG?ABABCDCDEFEFGG?

Did you also notice that these letters show Did you also notice that these letters show that there are 3 quatrains that there are 3 quatrains

AABBAABB ~ ~ CCDDCCD D ~ ~ EEFFEEFFand one coupletand one couplet

GGGG??

What about the iambic pentameter?What about the iambic pentameter?Did you see how all lines consisted of 10 Did you see how all lines consisted of 10

syllables?syllables?

FEEL FREE TO PRESS THE BACK ARROW FEEL FREE TO PRESS THE BACK ARROW TO LOOK AT IT AGAIN TO LOOK AT IT AGAIN

Feel free to take a moment to review the Feel free to take a moment to review the characteristics of a Shakespearean sonnet one characteristics of a Shakespearean sonnet one

more time.more time.Just go back to the previous slides…Just go back to the previous slides…

If not, you can move on.If not, you can move on.

EITHER WAY, YOU CAN DO THIS!EITHER WAY, YOU CAN DO THIS!

Are you ready for a question to test your skill?Are you ready for a question to test your skill?

Which best describes the characteristics of a Which best describes the characteristics of a Shakespearean sonnet?Shakespearean sonnet?

Directions: Read the question carefully, choose the best answer,Directions: Read the question carefully, choose the best answer, then clickthen click on the arrow that indicates your choice. on the arrow that indicates your choice.

An English sonnet with an ABABBCBCCDCDEE An English sonnet with an ABABBCBCCDCDEE rhyme schemerhyme schemeA English sonnet with 3 quatrains & and A English sonnet with 3 quatrains & and couplet with an couplet with an ABABCDCDEFEFGG rhyme schemeABABCDCDEFEFGG rhyme schemeAn English sonnet with an octave and a sestet An English sonnet with an octave and a sestet and an ABABCDCDEFEFGG rhyme and an ABABCDCDEFEFGG rhyme schemeschemeAn English sonnet with an ABABCDCDFFFFGG An English sonnet with an ABABCDCDFFFFGG rhyme schemerhyme scheme

CORRECT!CORRECT!A Shakespearean sonnet is an A Shakespearean sonnet is an

English sonnet that has English sonnet that has 3 quatrains and a couplet, 3 quatrains and a couplet,

and it also has an and it also has an ABABCDCDEFEFGG ABABCDCDEFEFGG

rhyme scheme!rhyme scheme!Let’s go to the next slide…

THINK AND TRY AGAIN…THINK AND TRY AGAIN…

To go back to the beginning of the To go back to the beginning of the Shakespearean section to review, click here Shakespearean section to review, click here

Sorry, you are incorrect…Sorry, you are incorrect…

Click here to go right back to the Click here to go right back to the question.question.

You are doing great so You are doing great so far, so let’s move on!far, so let’s move on!

I’M SO IMPRESSED…I’M SO IMPRESSED…

Your next objective is:Your next objective is:You will be able to recognize the rhyme You will be able to recognize the rhyme

scheme and characteristics of a sonnet by scheme and characteristics of a sonnet by SpenserSpenser, another English poet., another English poet.

Spenserian sonnets are also known as English Spenserian sonnets are also known as English sonnets. They, too, are made up of sonnets. They, too, are made up of

3 QUATRAINS AND A COUPLET3 QUATRAINS AND A COUPLETand written in iambic pentameter…and written in iambic pentameter…

Spenser, however, took Shakespeare’s type of Spenser, however, took Shakespeare’s type of sonnet and added his own flair. sonnet and added his own flair.

As you can see, this sonnet was probably As you can see, this sonnet was probably more difficult to write. more difficult to write.See the 4 B’s and 3 C’s?See the 4 B’s and 3 C’s?

That means he had to find four words that rhymed That means he had to find four words that rhymed together that still made sense and went with the together that still made sense and went with the

flow of the poem!flow of the poem!

Definitely not an easy task!Definitely not an easy task!

His His rhyme schemerhyme scheme was a little different. was a little different.It was ABABBCBCCDCDEE.It was ABABBCBCCDCDEE.

Sonnet by SpenserOf this worlds theatre in which we staystay, AAMy love like the spectator idly sitssits BBBeholding me that all the pageants playplay, AADisguising diversely my troubled witswits. BBSometimes I joy when glad occasion fitsfits, BBAnd mask in mirth like to a comedycomedy: CCSoon after when my joy to sorrow flitsflits, BBI wail and make my woes a tragedytragedy. CCYet she, beholding me with constant eyeeye, CCDelights not in my mirth nor rues my smartsmart: DDBut when I laugh she mocks, and when I crycry CCShe laughs and hardens evermore her heartheart. DDWhat then can move her? If nor mirth nor moanmoan, EEShe is no woman, but a senseless stonestone. EE

Check out the poem below. Check out the poem below. Look closely to the last word in each line. See the Look closely to the last word in each line. See the

difference?difference?

Take a gander at this poem. Take a gander at this poem. Even though it was not written by Edmund Spenser, Even though it was not written by Edmund Spenser,

it is still considered a Spenserian poem! it is still considered a Spenserian poem!

To be in heaven for one more momentTo be in heaven for one more moment AAWith my sweetest angel of desire.With my sweetest angel of desire. BBTo be fused in his wings on an ascentTo be fused in his wings on an ascent AAFrom reality and earthly ire.From reality and earthly ire. BBI long to flee the eternal fireI long to flee the eternal fire BBThat blazes and combusts deep within me….That blazes and combusts deep within me…. CCAnd get lost in his orbs of sapphireAnd get lost in his orbs of sapphire BBAnd find my wand’ring soul where it should be-And find my wand’ring soul where it should be- CCOn a still cloud on the edge of the seaOn a still cloud on the edge of the sea CCWhere I escape the cold, incessant rain…Where I escape the cold, incessant rain… DDA place where I can finally run free,A place where I can finally run free, CCWhere passion and unconditional love reigns.Where passion and unconditional love reigns. DDHow I long to lie in my paradiseHow I long to lie in my paradise EEWith my wondrous angel, my guiding light.With my wondrous angel, my guiding light. EE

Do you see the rhyme scheme, iambic pentameter, the 3 quatrains and the Do you see the rhyme scheme, iambic pentameter, the 3 quatrains and the couplet?couplet?

By the way, guess who wrote this?By the way, guess who wrote this?Yep, that would be me!Yep, that would be me!

Did you recognize that Spenserian sonnets Did you recognize that Spenserian sonnets have a rhyme scheme ofhave a rhyme scheme of

ABABBCBCCDCDEE?ABABBCBCCDCDEE?

Did you also notice that these letters show Did you also notice that these letters show that there are 3 quatrains that there are 3 quatrains

AABBAABB ~ ~ BBCCBBCC ~ ~ CCDDCCDDand one coupletand one couplet

EEEE??

What about the iambic pentameter?What about the iambic pentameter?Did you see how all lines consisted of 10 Did you see how all lines consisted of 10

syllables?syllables?

FEEL FREE TO PRESS THE BACK ARROW TO LOOK FEEL FREE TO PRESS THE BACK ARROW TO LOOK AT IT AGAIN IF YOU NEED TO… AT IT AGAIN IF YOU NEED TO… BECAUSE WE ARE READY FOR ANOTHER SKILLS BECAUSE WE ARE READY FOR ANOTHER SKILLS

QUESTION!QUESTION!

Which best describes the characteristics of a Which best describes the characteristics of a Spenserian sonnet?Spenserian sonnet?

Directions: Read the question carefully, choose the best answer,Directions: Read the question carefully, choose the best answer, then then click on the arrow that indicates your choice.click on the arrow that indicates your choice.

An English sonnet with 3 quatrains and a couplet An English sonnet with 3 quatrains and a couplet and ABABBCBCCDCDEE rhyme schemeand ABABBCBCCDCDEE rhyme scheme

A English sonnet with 3 quatrains & and A English sonnet with 3 quatrains & and couplet with an couplet with an ABABCDCDEFEFGG rhyme schemeABABCDCDEFEFGG rhyme schemeAn English sonnet with an octave and a sestet An English sonnet with an octave and a sestet and an ABABCDCDEFEFGG rhyme and an ABABCDCDEFEFGG rhyme schemeschemeAn English sonnet with an ABABCDCDEEFFGG An English sonnet with an ABABCDCDEEFFGG rhyme schemerhyme scheme

CORRECT!CORRECT!A Spenserian sonnet is an A Spenserian sonnet is an

English sonnet that has English sonnet that has 3 quatrains and a 3 quatrains and a couplet, and it also has couplet, and it also has

an ABABBCBCCDCDEE an ABABBCBCCDCDEE rhyme scheme! rhyme scheme!

Let’s go to the next slide…

WHY DON’T YOU TRY AGAIN?WHY DON’T YOU TRY AGAIN?

To go back to the beginning of the To go back to the beginning of the Spenserian section to review, click here Spenserian section to review, click here



Guys~Guys~Did you know that the quickest way to a girl’s heart is Did you know that the quickest way to a girl’s heart is

through poetry?through poetry?

Girls~Girls~You need to learn this too…so when a guy starts You need to learn this too…so when a guy starts

reciting these rhymes to you, you will know all the reciting these rhymes to you, you will know all the ways they love you and find you amazing.ways they love you and find you amazing.

Another one of our objectives is for you to recognize the Another one of our objectives is for you to recognize the rhyme scheme and characteristics of a sonnet by rhyme scheme and characteristics of a sonnet by

PetrarchPetrarch, an Italian poet., an Italian poet.

It is different from the English sonnet because it containsIt is different from the English sonnet because it contains1 OCTAVE and 1 SESTET1 OCTAVE and 1 SESTET

Wait until you see the rhyme scheme for this one….Wait until you see the rhyme scheme for this one….

Petrarchan sonnets are Italian sonnets because Petrarchan sonnets are Italian sonnets because Francesco Petrarch, an Italian poet, Francesco Petrarch, an Italian poet,

modified the English sonnet and created his own.modified the English sonnet and created his own.

It is, however, still written in iambic pentameter…It is, however, still written in iambic pentameter…

This rhyme scheme is very different!This rhyme scheme is very different!

Doth any maiden seek the glorious Doth any maiden seek the glorious fame fame AAOf chastity, of strength, of Of chastity, of strength, of courtesy? courtesy? BBGaze in the eyes of that sweet Gaze in the eyes of that sweet enemy enemy BBWhom all the world doth as my lady Whom all the world doth as my lady name!name! AAHow honor grows, and pure devotion's How honor grows, and pure devotion's flame, flame, AAHow truth is joined with graceful How truth is joined with graceful dignity, dignity, BBThere thou may'st learn, and what the path may There thou may'st learn, and what the path may bebe BB To that high heaven which doth her spirit To that high heaven which doth her spirit claim;claim; AAThere learn soft speech, beyond all poet's There learn soft speech, beyond all poet's skill,skill, CCAnd softer silence, and those holy And softer silence, and those holy waysways DDUnutterable, untold by human Unutterable, untold by human heart.heart. EE But the infinite beauty that all eyes doth But the infinite beauty that all eyes doth fill, fill, CCThis none can copy! since its lovely This none can copy! since its lovely raysrays D D Are given by God's pure grace, and not by Are given by God's pure grace, and not by art.art. EE

See how this could also be very difficult to write?See how this could also be very difficult to write?

The sonnet was written in iambic pentameter in the Italian language, but when it was translated into English, it did not

maintain the exact syllable count.

Did you recognize that Petrarchan sonnets have a completely different rhyme scheme of

ABBAABBACDECDE?

Did you also notice that these letters show that there is one octave (8 lines)

AABBBBAAAABBBBAAand one sestet (6 lines)

CCDDEECCDDEE??

What about the iambic pentameter?Did you notice that some lines did not have exactly ten syllables?

HERE IS ANOTHER EXAMPLE TO HELP YOU…HERE IS ANOTHER EXAMPLE TO HELP YOU…

Maybe you will understand it more if I share this sonnet with you.Maybe you will understand it more if I share this sonnet with you.I am sure you have heard of it…I am sure you have heard of it…

It is an amazing sonnet!It is an amazing sonnet!

How do I love thee? Let me count the ways. AI love thee to the depth and breadth and height BMy soul can reach, when feeling out of sight BFor the ends of Being and ideal Grace. AI love thee to the level of every day's AMost quiet need, by sun and candle-light. BI love thee freely, as men strive for Right; BI love thee purely, as they turn from Praise. AI love thee with a passion put to use CIn my old grief, and with my childhood's faith. DI love thee with a love I seemed to lose EWith my lost saints, --- I love thee with the breath, CSmiles, tears, of all my life! --- and, if God choose, DI shall but love thee better after death. E

Though this is by Elizabeth Barrett Browning, Though this is by Elizabeth Barrett Browning, it is still considered to be a Petrarchan sonnet.it is still considered to be a Petrarchan sonnet.

Do you see why?Do you see why?

Remember, you can do this!Remember, you can do this!

Did you see the rhyme scheme ofDid you see the rhyme scheme ofABBAABBACDECDE?ABBAABBACDECDE?

And did you just melt reading it???And did you just melt reading it???I told you that this was romantic stuff,I told you that this was romantic stuff,

ladies and gentlemen…ladies and gentlemen…

Now…are you ready for a skills question?Now…are you ready for a skills question?If so, move forward.If so, move forward.

If not, you can go back and take a better look.If not, you can go back and take a better look.

Which of the following best describes the Which of the following best describes the characteristics of a Petrarchan sonnet, based on characteristics of a Petrarchan sonnet, based on

what you learned today?what you learned today?

Directions: Read the question carefully, choose the best answer,Directions: Read the question carefully, choose the best answer, YOU MUSTYOU MUST click on the arrow that indicates your choice. click on the arrow that indicates your choice.

An English sonnet with 3 quatrains and a couplet An English sonnet with 3 quatrains and a couplet and ABABBCBCCDCDEE rhyme schemeand ABABBCBCCDCDEE rhyme scheme

A Italian sonnet with 3 quatrains & and couplet A Italian sonnet with 3 quatrains & and couplet with an ABABCDCDEFEFGG with an ABABCDCDEFEFGG rhyme schemerhyme schemeAn Italian sonnet with an octave and a sestet An Italian sonnet with an octave and a sestet and an ABBAABBACDECDE rhyme and an ABBAABBACDECDE rhyme schemeschemeAn Italian sonnet with an ABBAACCACDECDE An Italian sonnet with an ABBAACCACDECDE rhyme scheme with an octave and a sestetrhyme scheme with an octave and a sestet

RIGHT!RIGHT!A Petrarchan sonnet is an A Petrarchan sonnet is an

Italian sonnet that has Italian sonnet that has 1 octave and a 1 octave and a sestet and also sestet and also

has an ABBAABBACDECDE has an ABBAABBACDECDE rhyme scheme! rhyme scheme!


To go back to the beginning of the To go back to the beginning of the Petrarchan section to review, click here Petrarchan section to review, click here

Incorrect…Incorrect…


LET’S TRY AGAIN…LET’S TRY AGAIN…

Here is a hint:Here is a hint:Petrarchan sonnets are vastly different from Petrarchan sonnets are vastly different from

Shakespearean and Spenserian sonnets.Shakespearean and Spenserian sonnets.

You are doing an incredible You are doing an incredible job!job! Your last objective for today is:Your last objective for today is:

You will be able to differentiate between You will be able to differentiate between denotation and connotation and will use these denotation and connotation and will use these skills, as well as previously learned skills, to skills, as well as previously learned skills, to

interpret sonnets.interpret sonnets.

Here we go…

I mean, what is the point of knowing all about I mean, what is the point of knowing all about sonnets if you cannot figure out what they sonnets if you cannot figure out what they

mean… Right?!?!?!mean… Right?!?!?!

Connotation is another common trait Connotation is another common trait in all three types of sonnetsin all three types of sonnets

I am sure you are asking,

“What is connotation anyway?”

ConnotationConnotation refers to the the attitude or refers to the the attitude or emotion associated with a word.emotion associated with a word.

Connotation is the opposite of denotation Connotation is the opposite of denotation because because denotation denotation is the literalis the literal definition of definition of

a word.a word.

For example, in your first exercise, you read these lines:For example, in your first exercise, you read these lines:

My lover’s eyes are of the deepest blue Filled with sad tales of true love once denied.All shaded and shadowed with different huesOf desire once free that’s now confined

The word “blue” refers to a color, The word “blue” refers to a color, an example of denotation…an example of denotation…

but “blue” also means sad,but “blue” also means sad,an example of connotation.an example of connotation.

Here is another example of Here is another example of denotation vs connotation:denotation vs connotation:

As we all know, this is the American flag.As we all know, this is the American flag.The denotation for this word is a rectangular piece The denotation for this word is a rectangular piece

of colorful material that signifies the country in which of colorful material that signifies the country in which we livewe live.

The connotation, however, would represent emotion.The connotation, however, would represent emotion.Therefore, in poetry, “American flag” may meanTherefore, in poetry, “American flag” may mean

pride, liberty, unity, strength and freedom.pride, liberty, unity, strength and freedom.

Before you move on to your skills question, feel free to Before you move on to your skills question, feel free to go back and review. If not, you can move on…go back and review. If not, you can move on…

Which word is the best example of connotation NOT Which word is the best example of connotation NOT denotation?denotation?

Directions: Read the passage and question carefully, choose the best Directions: Read the passage and question carefully, choose the best answer, then click on the arrow that indicates your choice.answer, then click on the arrow that indicates your choice.

““Passion” because it means intense emotion.Passion” because it means intense emotion.

““Pain” because it is a disagreeable sensationPain” because it is a disagreeable sensation

““Dove” because it represents love, purity and Dove” because it represents love, purity and marriage.marriage.

““Eyes” because it represents vision and perspective.Eyes” because it represents vision and perspective.

To gaze into his eyes and not see painTo gaze into his eyes and not see painBut to see an image of a white doveBut to see an image of a white dove

To grant me hope that passion will sustainTo grant me hope that passion will sustainAnd give flight to our clipped wings of loveAnd give flight to our clipped wings of love

CORRECT!CORRECT!‘‘Dove” was the best example of Dove” was the best example of

connotation because it was the only connotation because it was the only word that was a representation of word that was a representation of

an emotion, not an actual definition.an emotion, not an actual definition.


WHY DON’T YOU TRY AGAIN?WHY DON’T YOU TRY AGAIN?

To go back to the beginning of this section to To go back to the beginning of this section to review, click here review, click here



Before we move on to the review and Before we move on to the review and your assessment, your assessment,

I wanted to tell you that you all are the best! I wanted to tell you that you all are the best!

You made me proud today, You made me proud today, just like you do every day!just like you do every day!

WAY TO GO!WAY TO GO!

Let’s go to the review….

How do the sonnets compare/contrast? How do the sonnets compare/contrast? Let me count the ways!Let me count the ways!

Rhyme Scheme:ABABCDCDEFEFGG

Rhyme Scheme:ABABBCBCCDCDEE

Shakespearean Sonnet Spenserian Sonnet

•Composed of 3 quatrains & 1 couplet•Known as English sonnets

• Written in iambic pentameter (10 syllables per line)•Contains 14 lines •Contains connotation

Petrarchan Sonnet

•Composed of an octave and sestet•Known as an Italian sonnet

Rhyme Scheme:ABBAABBACDECDE

That’s it…That’s it…You are done!You are done!

You can come up and turn in your CD, You can come up and turn in your CD, then get your test! then get your test!

Remember, if you ever need to see this review again, Remember, if you ever need to see this review again, you can find it on our class website! you can find it on our class website!

a lesson on sonnets by christine rodriguez

Education