Shakespeare was and is to this day, one of the world’s master storytellers. What set him apart was that he shared a wealth of information in dramatic fashion, in only a few short lines. And a sonnet is one way he did that.

Sonnets are a poetic form of storytelling that had been around long before Shakespeare’s time, but he creatively modified the sonnet’s original structure and made it into something that was completely his own.  Continue with me as we learn more about studying a Shakespearean Sonnet. 

What’s beautiful about Shakespeare’s writing, is that even though it’s hundreds of years old, students can still relate to it and develop a more intimate appreciation for poetry. Though his characters are long dead, he’s kept them alive for us in great description and detail.

Here are the reasons why your students should study it, and the usual format of Shakespeare’s Sonnets.

Don’t miss the High School Homeschool Giveaway below! Ends June 23rd, 2024!

Studying A Shakespearean Sonnet

Why should you be studying a Shakespearean Sonnet? 

It’s important that we teach our students about famous literature, and it’s history, for a number of reasons. Introducing students to Shakespearean Sonnets provides them with a deeper understanding of poetic elements while focusing on the poet’s image, tone, theme, and metaphor.

Students will also learn how to understand the message and imagery that Shakespeare is trying to convey, along with rhyming and memorization.   

While there are several other sonnets out there to choose from, Shakespeare’s own is a great place to start! One reason reading a Shakespearean sonnet is more preferable than other sonnets, is because there are more scholars and resources out there that can help you understand them.

Shakespeare is very crafty in how he tells he sheds the light on his poems, sometimes throwing a wrench, or something unexpected, that causes the reader to stop and think. So having other resources can be extremely helpful at these times.    

Shakespeare’s Sonnet Structure 

These particular sonnets are made up of 14 lines, and broken up into three groups (quatrains, or stanzas) of 4 lines each and followed by a couplet. It has a rhyming scheme that looks like abab cdcd efef gg, where each line has 10 syllables.

With that, there are accented syllables that are placed in bold, along with vertical lines that make a division between feet.

The Shakespearean Sonnet is fairly similar to the Italian Sonnet, except the former has a more climatic resolution than the latter. The shift (climax) usually takes place around line 9, or in the final couplet.

Another fun difference to note is that Shakespeare’s sonnets also focus on both men and women, while most other sonnets introduce only female characters.

The Sonnet’s Progression 

When introducing younger students to this poetic style, it’s important to show them the progression from the first quatrain to the last. The first quatrain starts out by introducing a theme or idea, while the second and third begin to reveal a conflict that’s developing. The final couplet of the poem works on finding a resolve, or conclusion to the subject. 

When you’re studying any of Shakespeare’s famous works, it’s important to understand the reasoning behind what he’s done and why he does it.

Studying Shakespeare’s Sonnet 

Shakespeare created 154 sonnets, several of which became very popular. A handful of these includes Sonnet 18, Sonnet 30, Sonnet 33, Sonnet 73 and Sonnet 104.  Here’s a look at Sonnet 18 to give you an example of what these sonnets look like.  

Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day? 

Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day?

Thou art more lovely and more temperate:

Rough winds do shake the darling buds of May,

And summer’s lease hath all too short a date;

Sometime too hot the eye of heaven shines,

And often is his gold complexion dimm’d;

And every fair from fair sometime declines,

By chance or nature’s changing course untrimm’d;

But thy eternal summer shall not fade,

Nor lose possession of that fair thou ow’st;

Nor shall death brag thou wander’st in his shade,

When in eternal lines to time thou grow’st:

   So long as men can breathe or eyes can see,

   So long lives this, and this gives life to thee.

Shakespeare is admiring his beloved, a beautiful woman, comparing her to that of a summer day. He reveals that her beauty will never fade, living on in immortality.  

The Shakespearean sonnet is a great place to start while trying to teach your students about using literary devices that are found in poetry.

If you’re familiar with Shakespearean sonnets, which ones do you find the most fascinating?

Even if you’re not familiar with them, sonnets are a type of writing that you should still consider teaching your students.  

Are you interested in helping your kids learn more about the Shakespearean Sonnet? Make sure you check out my Shakespearean Sonnet Study.

You’ll learn more about structure, rhyme scheme, iambic pentameter, Old English Vocabulary and more inside of this 9-page printable set. 

DOWNLOAD YOUR SHAKESPEAREAN SONNET STUDY TODAY

Studying a Shakespearean sonnet is easy with this simple printable pack. Inside they will learn about the structure, rhyme scheme, iambic pentameter, Old English Vocabulary, and more in this 9-page printable set.

ENTER THE GIVEAWAY BELOW

Homeschooling the upper grades doesn’t have to be scary! If you have a middle or high schooler, this giveaway includes some resources that will not only enhance their learning, but help give them a well-rounded learning experience. If you’re looking to add some arts and literature to their studies – this Upper Grades Giveaway is for you!

Thanks to these amazing bloggers and brands that love supporting the homeschool community, we’re able to give back to homeschool families in the best way!

Check out this AMAZING Prize package!

	Middle & High School Drama Bundle from In All You Do – This Middle & High School Drama Bundle has everything you need to teach about Shakespeare and study his movies and plays. Using the planner, students will know exactly what is required and needed to complete their studies. With nearly 90 total pages, this bundle includes: Shakespeare Notebooking & Copywork Pages, Romeo & Juliet MEGA Printable Pack, Movie Review Report & Drama Pack, and the Middle & High School Homeschool Planner (Perpetual).
	Charlotte Mason Inspired High School Fine Arts from Music in Our Homeschool – With the “Charlotte Mason Inspired High School Fine Arts” online course, your high schooler will earn a full credit in Fine Arts! Study music appreciation, art appreciation, and poetry appreciation in this Charlotte Mason inspired self-paced online course. There are 9 months’ worth of lessons, and each month features a new composer, artist, and poet.
	High School Academic Advising Consultation from Sparks Academy – Are you confused, overwhelmed, or frustrated by the thought of tackling homeschooling through high school? Let our years of experience as school counselors, homeschoolers, and educators guide you so that you can enjoy the process of homeschooling your students! High School Academic Advising includes:One (1) 60 minute consult via Teams, Personalized evaluation that will assess courses, course descriptions, and grades, Credit evaluation- credits needed for graduation & credits earned, Personalized Learning Plan, Curriculum Suggestions, Follow-up email support, and a discount for virtual classes & materials at Sparks Academy.

Learn more about each of the 2024 Upper Grades Sponsors

This giveaway wouldn’t be possible without our amazing sponsors! We encourage you to visit their site and take a look around at all their wonderful products perfect for homeschoolers!
Thanks to these amazing bloggers and brands that love supporting the homeschool community, we’re giving away more than $160 in Upper Grades products!

Want to enter to win? Simply enter by following as many sponsors and partners on the form below, and you’re in it to win it! 

You are responsible for reading the Terms and Conditions before entering. Entering this giveaway confirms that you have read and understand the terms.

a Rafflecopter giveaway