1. Renaissance English Sonnet Research WebQuest
All the world is a stage . . .
Come play on it!
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2. Introduction
Poetry is a form of expression and the sonnet is one form of poetry. William Shakespeare is among the most prolific authors of sonnets. On this quest, you will . . .
Discover the English/Shakespearean sonnet
Discuss the rhyme scheme and structure
Become a professional sonneteer by writing and presenting your own modern sonnets
Relate Renaissance themes to modern day
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3. Task
Your task is to create a Folio (portfolio) which will demonstrate your understanding of the following concepts:
1. The origin and purpose of the English sonnet.
2. The structure and rhyme scheme of an English sonnet.
3. Using the resources in the webquest, compare and contrast the
themes of Shakespeare’s sonnets to modern day.
4. Compose an original English sonnet.
5. To compose a research literary analysis using MLA
documentation.
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4. Important Advice
In order to give an accurate portrayal in your Folio presentation and written report, you must be sure that the details from the era correspond with your assigned theme.
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5. Process
You will work with other students who are assigned the same theme.
Throughout the webquest, you will take on different roles: Sonnet Specialist, Poetry Specialist, Sonneteer, and Editor/Media Specialist.
Each student will create his/her own Folio comprised of a Shakespearean sonnet, a modern poem, an original sonnet and a research paper.
At the conclusion of the webquest, you will demonstrate your folio to the class.
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Step One
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6. Folio Example Link to and review the elements for the Sample Folio
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7. Step One
Sonnet Specialist – this job requires you to research Elizabethan England. Through your research, you will locate one (1) Shakespearean sonnet based on your assigned theme. The themes you may be assigned are: the Young Lord, the Dark Lady, financial imagery, and the Rival Poet.
For each sonnet you will:
identify the structure of an English sonnet.
In your own words, paraphrase each sonnet line-by- line.
link to and complete the Poetry Explication worksheet.
write one paragraph of at least six sentences to explicate the theme.
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Step Two
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8. Step Two
Poetry Specialist – this job requires you to research modern poems containing the same theme you were assigned for your Shakespearean sonnet.
For each modern poem you will:
In your own words, paraphrase the poem line-by- line.
link to and complete the Poetry Explication worksheet.
write one paragraph of at least six sentences to explicate the theme.
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9. Step Three
Sonneteer – this job requires you to compose an original English sonnet.
For each original sonnet be sure to:
follow the structure, iambic pentameter and line count, of an English sonnet.
follow the rhyme scheme of an English sonnet.
maintain the theme you were assigned.
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10. Step Four
You will write a research paper from the sonnets and modern poems you researched. The paper should:
be a minimum of 600 words. 
provide examples of imagery.
provide examples of literary devices.
provide content from the Poetry Explication worksheets.
provide analysis and an explanation of your assigned theme.
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11. Step Five
Editor/Media Specialist – this job requires you to collect all of the work in Step One through Step Four and ensure that the product of each is accurate and error free.
To complete your Folio be sure to create a Table of Contents (based on the sample folio) and put the items above in this order:
Table of Contents
Shakespearean sonnet with corresponding sonnet paraphrase, Poetry Explication worksheet, and paragraph about theme.
Modern poem with corresponding poem paraphrase, Poetry Explication worksheet, and paragraph about theme.
Original English sonnet.
Research paper with Works Cited page in MLA format.
Use this link for the Folio Example.
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12. Research
Websites to begin your investigation. These are by no means the only sites you may use. Please consult with Mrs. Pestell and Mrs. Conway for any sources you find to be sure that they are scholarly and accurate.
Sonnet form
Shakespeare’s Sonnets
(for Dark Lady critique)
(for Rival Poet theme)
Shakespeare’s background and Elizabethan England
Modern Poetry
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13. Link to and review the elements for the Rubric
Evaluation
Link to and review the elements for the Rubric
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14. Conclusion
At the conclusion of this webquest, you will have uncovered the Shakespearean sonnet and its structure, rhyme scheme and themes. You will have created your own Folio consisting of original sonnets. Congratulations you have become an English Sonneteer Specialist!
Essential questions:
1. What is the origin and purpose of the English sonnet?
2. How are Shakespeare’s themes considered universal?
3. How does poetry still have impact in the world?
4. How is poetry an expression?
5. What do you think the phrase “the permanence of poetry” means?
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15. For Teachers
You can use this webquest to introduce William Shakespeare or use during any lesson related to poetry. Shakespeare’s sonnet themes are varied and are still quite relevant in today’s society.
PBS has an incredible DVD “In Search of Shakespeare” which is highly recommended viewing for any of the above. Their website located at
is a great source for lessons, activities, handouts, and teaching Shakespeare through technology.
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