Shakespearean Sonnets

| Style, Form, and Rhythm | | Sonnet 18 | | Sonnet 29 | | Sonnet 55 | | Sonnet 73 | | Sonnet 116 | | Sonnet 130 | | Sonnet 146 |

Style, Form, and Rhythm

Exploring the Sonnet
In this technology-integrated lesson, students explore Sonnet 18 and an Italian sonnet, then write one of their own. This lesson includes a rubric.

Hate to Love Sonnets
In Shakespeare’s "Shall I Compare Thee to a Summer’s Day," the writer has perfected a comparison of something he loves to another beautiful or enticing object. For this assignment, writers will not only learn the form and meter of a sonnet, but also draw a similar comparison with something they love and/or hate. After reviewing and analyzing the original poem, students will compose their own personal sonnet to imitate, yet not copy, Shakespeare’s idea of bliss or torment. This lesson focuses on word choice and conventions.

Iambic Pentameter
Just for fun, a cartoon about iambic pentameter.

Living Iambic Pentameter
A video clip of an introduction to iambic pentameter that will work on any grade level.

The Poetics of Hip Hop
Students analyze form in Shakespearean sonnets, then analyze hip hop music to determine common characteristics between the Bard's work and the music of hip hop artists. Students reinforce their understanding of the connections between hip hop and poetry through close analysis of the works of poets Saul Williams and Nikki Giovanni, and through the creation of their own poetry.

Repeat After Us
Audio files and texts of 15 Shakespearean sonnets. A good site for LD students, ELL students, and for those who read well and might like to record and contribute. Files are in alphabetical order by poet; scroll down.

The Shakespearean Sonnet: An Overview
An overview of the sonnet form, analysis of selected poems.

Shakespeare's Sonnets
This lesson emphasizes paraphrase as a way into the sonnets.

Shakespeare's Sonnets
Text, summary, and critical commentary for each sonnet.

Sonnet XV ("When I consider everything that grows")
In this video Poetry Out Loud state finalist Sarah Solarez recites the sonnet.

Sonnet 18 ("Shall I compare thee to a summer's day?")

PhotoDharma! Sonnet #18
A parody of sonnet 18: "Shall I compare thee to a bale of hay?"

Understanding Shakespeare — Sonnet 18
In this carefully structured lesson, students develop critical analysis skills by responding to questions about the poem and working with graphic organizers. Requires Adobe Reader for access.

Sonnet 29 ("When, in disgrace with fortune and men's eyes")

Shakespeare was a Black Woman
With emphasis on Sonnet 29, "this is an introductory lesson for students first encountering a Shakespeare play or sonnet and/or in conjunction with Civil Rights studies." Don't miss the audio clip of Maya Angelou reading the first 4 lines.

Sonnet 55 ("Not marble, nor the gilded monuments of princes")

Sonnet 55 ("Not marble, nor the gilded monuments of princes")
Scroll down to find the audio file of an introduction and actor James Earl Jones reading the poem.

Sonnet 73 ("That time of year thou mayst in me behold")

Sonnet 73 ("That time of year thou mayst in me behold")
How might students use storyboards to demonstrate and to extend their learning? Check the resources here. Students work with literary elements, theme, more. Note: Storyboard That helps sponsor this site.

Sonnet 116 ("Let me not to the marriage of true minds")

Paraphrase and Analysis
Line-by-line/side-by-side paraphrase and explanatory footnotes.

Sir Patrick Stewart reading Sonnet 116 "Let me not to the marriage of true minds"
This video (1:12) is hosted at Vimeo, not at YouTube.

Sonnet 130 ("My mistress' eyes are nothing like the sun")

Sonnet 130 ("My Mistress' Eyes are Nothing Like the Sun")
Background, analysis, and suggestions for responding to the poem.

Sonnet 130 ("My Mistress' Eyes are Nothing Like the Sun")
Actor Alan Rickman reads the poem in this YouTube video (1:26).

Sonnet 130 ("My Mistress' Eyes are Nothing Like the Sun")
In this YouTube video (7:05), a teacher introduces Shakespearean sonnet structure, then reads and discusses the poem.

Sonnet 146 ("Poor Soul, the center of my sinful earth")

Sonnet 146 ("Poor Soul, the center of my sinful earth")
This audio file of the sonnet requires an MP3 player like QuickTime for access.