1. The Art of writing
SONNETS

2. A 14 line lyric poem with a single theme
sonnet
A 14 line lyric poem with a single theme
Usually written in Iambic Pentameter
Usually sonnets are written as a series
Sometimes 100 or more sonnets are linked by theme or to whom it is addressed

3. Octave Sestet Divided into an 8 line octave
The Petrarchan Sonnet A B
Octave C D E
Sestet
Divided into an 8 line octave
Followed by a 6 line sestet
The octave presents a problem
The sestet provides the solution
The prescribed rhyme scheme is shown at right.
Problem
Solution

4. Rhyme scheme for sonnets is based on the last sound in the line.
Ex. Petrarchan …… night (A) …......sweet (B) …….greet (B) …… light (A) …….fight (A) …….treat (B) …… neat (B) ……;flight (A) ….. heart (C) ….. long (D) …..never (E) ….. start (C) ….. strong (D) ….. Forever €
Rhyme scheme for sonnets is based on the last sound in the line.
Every time a new sound is introduced, it gets a new letter.

5. Quatrain Sestet Divided into two quatrains Followed by one sestet
Spenserian A B
Quatrain C D E
Sestet
Divided into two quatrains
Followed by one sestet
Follow the prescribed rhyme scheme shown at right.

6. Quatrain Couplet Shakespeare uses a variation of the sonnet form.
Shakespearean sonnet
Shakespeare uses a variation of the sonnet form.
It still contains 14 lines and uses iambic pentameter.
Its structure contains three quatrains and a couplet.
The quatrains are usually mysterious, presenting some issue, complaint, or problem.
The solution or twist is given in the final couplet. A B
Quatrain C D E F G
Couplet

7. Iambic pentameter
Iamb = unstressed ˘stressed / Pent = 5 Meter = feet Iambic Pentameter = ˘ / ˘ / ˘ / ˘ / ˘/ “But soft /what light/ through yon/der win/dow breaks It is /the east / and Ju/liet /the sun.” Romeo and Juliet Each section is two syllables. This rule will be hard and fast in your sonnet writing.

8. sample
How do I love thee? Let me count the ways. I love thee to the depth and breadth and height My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight For the ends of Being and ideal Grace. I love thee to the level of everyday's Most quiet need, by sun and candle-light. I love thee freely, as men strive for Right; I love thee purely, as they turn from Praise. I love thee with a passion put to use In my old griefs, and with my childhood's faith. I love thee with a love I seemed to lose With my lost saints, --- I love thee with the breath, Smiles, tears, of all my life! --- and, if God choose, I shall but love thee better after death.
This sonnet from
Elizabeth Barrett Browning
is not from the same time period, but follows the same strategies. Analyze this poem as a class and look for examples that match the guidelines you’ve been given. For examaple – do you see iambic pentameter? What is the rhyme scheme? Is it a traditional 14 line sonnet. This is a good example of how the writers of the Renaissance influenced writers after their time.

9. You will be writing 3 love sonnets. You will use all three styles.
Assignment
You will be writing 3 love sonnets.
You will use all three styles.
Your topics will be:
True Love
Lost Love/Heart Break
Obsessive Love
You will decide which style will be used for each topic.
You will perform one of these poems out loud in front of the class.
You need to submit all 3 in hardcopy and a digital copy to tii.com by the assigned due date.

10. Refer to the example before you submit your final assignment.
Rubric
_____ Form (15) _____ Meter (15) _____ Simile or Metaphor (9) _____ Alliteration (9) _____ Elevated Language (9) _____ Personification (9) _____ Imagery (9) _____ Presentation (25) Comments on tii.com for your review _____ Final Grade/100
Your poems must include the following criterion. If you are unclear about any of these literary devices – ask – don’t assume.
You must color code your hardcopy and include a key at the bottom of your poetry.
Refer to the example before you submit your final assignment.