1. Sonnets BY A PREVIOUS ENGLISH 12 STUDENT CLASS EXAMPLE

2. THE VALENTINE DECISION (Shakespearean) I can’t decide what to give you this year I want to give you things that you enjoy But when you get these items, will you begin to cheer Or will these items be things that annoy Maybe I should give you roses and sweets Or how about I give you a ring with a pearl I hope these new ideas aren’t repeats Or maybe I should find better things for you girl We can shop for clothing that fit your style Or we can go out for something to eat We can drive around for a while Or maybe take a walk down Beale Street It doesn’t matter; you can have any of the above I will do anything to make you happy because you’re my love

3. The Argument 1st quatrain The boy tells his love that he’s having trouble deciding what to give her for Valentine Day. He wants to give her something that makes her happy and hopes he doesn’t choose something that turns her off.  2 nd quatrain He is telling her he can give her traditional presents, such as flower, candy, or maybe jewelry. He just doesn’t want to give her gifts that she has already received from someone else. 3 rd quatrain: He gives her four other options to do on Valentine Day. Now he’s telling her they can go shopping for clothing she wants to wear, or go to a restaurant and eat. The last options are to drive around the city talking to each other listening to music, or walking down Beal Street looking at the cool sites down there. Couplets He tells her now that he will do any to make her happy because he loves her.

4. The girl from afar (Petrarchan sonnet) That beautiful girl I see from afar I see this girl maybe twice each year When I’m not expecting her, she’ll appear She is refreshing to see like a morning star I can feel her warmness no matter how distant we are When I see her, I want to go near But when I begin to walk toward her I shake with fear If I fail to overcome this, my heart will have a permanent scar Maybe I’ll try another way We should become friends first This will allow her to really know me I will ask her out one pleasant day This will conquer my fears and quench my thirst Then we can be as happy as to two can be

5. The Argument 2 Octave: He sees this girl from afar that he likes and wants to get to know her. Every time he sees her, his eyes light up and the day seems to get a little brighter. When he sees her, he plans to speak to her, but he can’t because he gets nervous. He knows he has to get over this fear or he’ll never have a chance with her. Sestet: When he’s sees the girl. He decides to try another strategy. Instead of trying to find a way to ask her out, he’ll just try to be her friend first. Then after she gets to know him and he feels the time is right, he’ll ask her out on a date. He feels this will help him overcome his nervousness. Then the two of them can be happy together.