I’m going to have you compose an original sonnet modeled after one of the great sonnet writers of the Renaissance. You’ll have a choice between the traditional Petrarchan (Italian) sonnet, the Spenserian sonnet, or the Shakespearean (English) sonnet. The primary difference between these three forms is the rhyme scheme. Otherwise they have some static distinguishing characteristics—iambic pentameter, 14-lines, and the expression of strong emotion (often proclamations of love).
For this assignment, you will be graded on your ability to reproduce the basic elements of a sonnet. While I think it would be awesome if you do, I don’t expect you to demonstrate the level of perfection that is usually associated with the masters of the form. I’m more concerned with you understanding and using the form.
You must follow these guidelines:
Length: a sonnet always has 14 rhymed lines.
Italian sonnets are divided into two parts: the octave—first 8 lines, and sestet—last 6 lines
English sonnets are divided into four parts: three quatrains (4 lines each), and an “heroic” couplet (This includes both the Spenserian and Shakespearian sonnets)
Iambic pentameter: an “iamb” is a pair of syllables where the first is unstressed and the last is stressed as in the word “today.” “Penta” means five, and “meter” refers to the line of the poem. Therefore, iambic pentameter simply means that each line of the poem has five iambs.
u / u / u / u / u /
Example: The time you spend, the lies you tell today
You will notice in much of the poetry that we’ve read that the authors “cheat” sometimes with their syllables. Shakespeare was especially tricky when he used things like “O” of “think on’t” to add or eliminate syllables so that the iambic pentameter works.
Content: A sonnet is generally a lyric poem. By definition, a lyric expresses some strong emotion but does not tell a story. You will have noticed, though, that sometimes there is a sense of narrative within the expression of emotion, and that’s okay. The goal is to try to focus on the emotional quality of the poem. The “volta,” or turn, is an important element near the end of the poem. Also, you should include some sort of “classical allusion,” or a reference to some work or writer we’ve covered from the ancient world.
Rhyme Scheme: You will have three patterns from which to choose. The letters below reflect the words that rhyme at the end of each line—a rhymes with a, b with b, etc.
Petrarchan: abbaabba cde cde
Spenserian: abab bcbc cdcd ee
Shakespearian: abab cdcd efef gg
I will expect that this is submitted as a formal final copy in MLA manuscript form.
–Typed, one-inch margins, heading and title, etc.