San Diego Jewish Academy 9th Grade Humanities Sonnet Exercise

You may want to check out:

The amazing web site of Shakespeare's Sonnets - http://www.shakespeares-sonnets.com/ - All the sonnets are provided here, with descriptive commentary attached to each one, giving explanations of difficult and unfamiliar words and phrases, and with a full analysis of any special problems of interpretation which arise. Follow the instructions below to find your way around. Sonnets by other Elizabethan poets are also included, Spenser, Sidney, Drayton and a few other minor authors. The poems of Sir Thomas Wyatt are also given, with both old and modern spelling versions, and with brief notes provided.

Sonnet Central - http://www.sonnets.org/ - An archive of English sonnets, commentary, and relevant web links and a forum for poets to share and discuss their own work. Sonnets are grouped by period.

1. Type the sonnet yourself so you get the kinesthetic interaction with the text. Be sure to include the poet's name and dates.
2. Check your typed version for accuracy.
3. Read the sonnet aloud to hear the rhythm, alliteration, and assonance. We'll talk about meter together.
4. Label the rhyme scheme, the quatrains, and the couplet.
5. Learn the chaining method of memorization.
6. Memorize two lines each day for seven days.
7. Paraphrase the sonnet in your own words by going back to your typed version and inserting your paraphrased lines after each original line. Italicize your paraphrased lines.
8. Recite your sonnet for the class.

When you recite your sonnet for the class, we will assess your recitation using the rubric below.

In your recitation, you

Completely - Mostly - Sometimes

• Show memorization with clean, fluid flow and correct pronunciation. (10)
• Deliver words with expression and understanding. (10)
• Adjust volume with consideration of room size and audience proximity. (5)
• Show physical bearing, presence, and use of nonverbal emphasis appropriate to the content. (5)