Sonnets How to Create your own

Definition A poem of fourteen lines. Typically, sonnets use a variety of formal rhyme schemes (in English, generally having ten syllables per line/five strong beats per line). Rhyme Scheme and Format Options: English style: abab cdcd efef gg (Shakespearean) OR aabb ccdd eeff gg (Spenserian) 3 Quatrains and 1 Rhyming Couplet Italian style: abbaabba cdecde (Petrarchan): 1 Octave (8 lines) and 1 Sestet (6 lines) Subject matter: A single idea. A feeling, a person, a favorite thing

Sample Sonnet After Turkey Day, the garbage bags sat; My dog was tempted by the tasty sight. He tore them open, gorged big, and grew fat, But first he made a mess and caused some blight. He ate some hot sauce and blueberry pies, Then laid around and moaned out loud in pain. I worried in my heart of his demise, And tried to scrub the purple carpet stain. He slowly came around and waddled slow, His belly wide and nearly to the floor. So sad to see my hungry doggy grow So portly wide, he barely fit his door. He survived, but still he is more than stout. I’ve learned. Next time I’ll take the garbage out! -Denise Rodgers

Tips Choose a subject that you have strong feelings about. Describe all the “ins and outs” of your subject. Tell about all of its good qualities to make it sound even better! Tap into your five senses – if they fit (don’t force it). Make comparisons using metaphors and similes. Directly address you subject, if you want. Tell how you feel about the subject AND describe it fully. Choose strong words that precisely share your thoughts – language that’s packed with meaning!

If you get stuck…try a Pop Sonnet! Take your favorite song and transform it into a sonnet. You do not have to write it in Shakespearean English --(however, you can challenge yourself to use Shakespearean phrases correctly)! Look at the examples the follow for ideas. A graphic organizer is optional. Your sonnet must have a 14 lines with a rhyme scheme. DO NOT copy the original songs words – transform them into your own new phrases. We are just borrowing the “story” of the song for ideas. You should be paraphrasing the song, NOT copying it. Be sure to give credit to the artist (“after Beyonce” or “after Ed Sheeran”), just as we did with the Golden Shovel poems.

Pop Sonnet examples:

Pop Sonnet examples:

Pop Sonnet examples:

Pop Sonnet examples:

How to Write a Sonnet Choose a theme or problem to focus on in your sonnet. An emotion, a person, or a favorite thing Pick a type of sonnet. Think about how the structure fits your subject Incorporate a volta (or turning point) in your poem. – Third Quatrain & Couplet Try to brainstorm a list of words related to that topic. What do you notice, feel, smell, taste, hear, think, and/or wonder about your topic? What can you compare to this topic? Can you repeat something for effect? Start writing! Be sure to count out the syllables (only ten syllables per line of verse). Organize your verses into rhyming stanzas.

Graphic Organizer: Stanza 1: Introduce the SPEAKER and AUDIENCE, explain the OCCASION or situation, and make the SUBJECT of the poem clear. Stanza 2: Develop the TONE of the poem… what are the feelings involved? Convey these feelings using figurative language: metaphors, similes, personification. EX: “I love you like music needs a beat.” Stanza 3: Incorporate a VOLTA (or turning point). How have these feelings changed? What will bring this issue to resolution? Rhyming Couplet: Resolve the poem, or provide a dramatic twist to the story. Make sure your PURPOSE is clear. The couplet is probably the most important two lines of the sonnet… so make them good! THE CLINCHER!

Requirements Creatively and effectively uses the appropriate poetic form (a sonnet). Student’s use of vocabulary is precise, vivid, and paints a strong clear and complete picture in the reader’s mind. Effectively uses 3 poetic techniques to reinforce the theme. Has grade-level appropriate spelling, grammar, and punctuation; contains few, if any, errors that do not interfere with the reader’s understanding. Student’s work demonstrates a complete understanding of the assignment and goes beyond the basic requirements. Effective and creative use of an illustration enhances the poem’s meaning (add a drawing or a picture).

Types of figurative Language to consider Alliteration Allusion Consonance Rhyme Assonance End Internal Hyperbole Onomatopoeia Personification Metaphor Rhythm Simile Repetition Imagery