Practice analyzing Shakespeare's sonnets by identifying form, sound devices, figurative language, tone, and theme.
Read each problem carefully. Use evidence from the sonnets when possible. Show your thinking in the space provided.
Analyzing structure, imagery, figurative language, and themes in Shakespearean sonnets
Language Arts - Grade 9-12
- 1
A Shakespearean sonnet has 14 lines written mostly in iambic pentameter. It usually follows the rhyme scheme ABAB CDCD EFEF GG. Explain how the final couplet often functions in a Shakespearean sonnet.
- 2
In Sonnet 18, the speaker asks, 'Shall I compare thee to a summer's day?' Identify the literary device used in this line and explain its purpose.
- 3
Read these lines from Sonnet 18: 'Rough winds do shake the darling buds of May, / And summer's lease hath all too short a date.' Identify one example of personification or metaphor and explain how it affects the meaning.
- 4
The rhyme scheme of a sonnet is ABAB CDCD EFEF GG. Label the rhyme scheme of these four invented lines: 'The moon climbs high above the sleeping town, / While silver streets reflect the quiet light, / The restless river wears a shadowed crown, / And stars appear like sparks across the night.'
- 5
Iambic pentameter is a pattern of five iambs per line, with each iamb usually having an unstressed syllable followed by a stressed syllable. Explain why this meter can make a sonnet sound balanced and formal.
- 6
In Sonnet 130, Shakespeare writes, 'My mistress' eyes are nothing like the sun.' Explain how this line challenges the usual love poetry of Shakespeare's time.
- 7
Read this line from Sonnet 130: 'Coral is far more red than her lips' red.' Identify the device and explain how it contributes to the poem's tone.
- 8
A volta is a turn in thought, argument, or tone. In many Shakespearean sonnets, it appears near the final couplet. Explain what a volta might do in a poem about time, beauty, and poetry.
- 9
Choose one major theme found in Shakespeare's sonnets, such as love, time, beauty, immortality, jealousy, or truth. Explain how Shakespeare develops that theme through poetic devices.
- 10
Write two original lines in the style of a Shakespearean sonnet. Include one poetic device, such as metaphor, personification, alliteration, or imagery. Then briefly identify the device you used.