Sonnet Instructions!

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!!!  I hope you're all feeling deliciously well fed. :)

Instructions for the sonnet:

• 14 lines
• Rhyme scheme: abab cdcd efef gg
• Each quatrain should have its own contained idea, and the ending couplet should provide the "key" to understanding the poem.
• Do your best to write in iambic pentameter (each line should be 10 syllables of alternating unstressed/stressed syllables: "i WANT to EAT the WHOLE enTIre PIE!"  But-- obviously-- you can spell normally.)
• Remember, serious form often relates to significant subjects.  Not a requirement; just a suggestion.

Also: here are ways that Shakespeare allowed himself to bend the rules a little when the rhyming and meter got tough:

• You can combine words to take out a syllable; just note the missing letters with an apostrophe: "It is" --> "'tis" / "In faith" simply becomes " 'Faith" / "Overtook in his rousing" becomes "o'ertook in’s rouse."  Try not to do this too often, but if you're desperate, combine!
• You can also write a line of 11 syllables, provided the last syllable is unstressed.  This is called a "feminine ending," because it is is unstressed.   And seeing as women never get stressed, it makes sense.
• He also sometimes invented words.  Not saying you should start Dr. Seussing or anything, but if we're emulating The Bard... well, the man did coin some diction!

And if you're feeling REALLY ambitious...

• Consider employing some of the literary devices we've been discovering this year.  Employ beautiful words to convey a soothing tone; employ harsh and ugly words to convey a disturbed tone.
• Figurative language is also great: personfication, paradox, metaphor, simile... have at 'em!
• Imagery can be great if you want to create some symbolism-- think of all the symbolic meanings associated with things found in nature!  Could some of those lend themselves to your meaning?

Finally: it's okay if it's not brilliant! 

The main reason we're doing this is so that you all internalize the form and function of a sonnet, as well as experience the challenge of writing in meter and verse so that you can better appreciate what Shakespeare did.  But I don't expect you to write like Shakespeare (Keaton, you can consider that a challenge), so don't put too much pressure on yourself!  I'm excited to read them!!

Need inspiration?  The link below will take you to a website where Shakespeare's sonnets can be read to your hearts' content.
http://www.shakespeare-online.com/sonnets/