Understanding Shakespearean Sonnets and Iambic Pentameter
Overview
In the lesson, students will read about Shakespearean sonnets, explore the poetic elements (specifically meter and rhyme) of Shakespearean sonnets, read and analyze a Shakespearean sonnet for meaning, and write their own Shakespearean sonnet.
Shakespearen Sonnets
What is a Sonnet?
In this section, students will gather information about the Shakespearean Sonnet.
- Read the article entitled, "What is a Sonnet?"
What is Iambic Pentameter?
In this section, students will gather information about Iambic Pentameter.
- Read the article entitled "An Introduction to Iambic Pentameter" to clarify your understanding of iambic pentameter.
- Watch this video produced by the Royal Shakespeare Company about the use of Iambic Pentameter in Shakespeare's Sonnets.
What is a Shakesperean Sonnet?
- Sonnet 18 is a well-known example of the Shakespearean Sonnet. As you read Sonnet 18, look for the elements of a sonnet that are discussed in this section.
- Practice reading Sonnet 18 aloud.
- As you read aloud, focus on overemphasizing the stressed and unstressed syllables. *
- If you need assistance, this image shows the syllable breakdown for the first several lines.
Reading For Meaning
Practicing With A Shakesperean Sonnet
In this section, you will look more closely at the meaning of several sonnets using a video review, then practice the translation and analysis of Sonnet 18. The video provides some assistance in the interpretation of Sonnet 18, and may be referred back to as a resource for the completion of this assignment.
- Watch the attached video entitled, Shakespeare's Sonnets - Crash Course.
- Practice translating and reflecting on Shakespeare's Sonnet 18 by completing the Sonnet 18 Practice worksheet.
- Submit your worksheet to your course when finished.
Writing Your Own Sonnet
Writing Your Own Shakesperean Sonnet
Now that you have more experience with sonnets, write your own Shakespearean Sonnet following the rhyme scheme and iambetic pentameter that the Shakespearean Sonnet is famous for.
- If you're still a beginner, consider trying this Sonnet Generator to help you brainstorm. Remember to follow the rhyme scheme and to use iambic pentameter. The topic of your sonnet can be of your own choosing.
Your sonnet must include:
- 14 lines
- Iambic Pentameter – ten syllables per line
- Shakespearean rhyme scheme – three quatrains and a couplet (abab cdcd efef gg)
- A minimum of two figures of speech: simile, metaphor, personification, and imagery
- Must have a unifying theme and a creative title for the sonnet
See attached Sonnet Grading Rubric.