College English
Mrs. Nickel
Feb. 2, 3, 4
Review Meter with Sonnet 18
Now, it's your turn to write your interpretation (paraphrase) of Sonnet 18 or Sonnet 29.
Look at the originals in your book on Pgs. 224-225
Here is an example of a paraphrase:
Sonnet 18
OOOOH Baby I think I shall compare you to a summer day
But, you know, you're prettier and even better, even calm
Because sometimes it gets windy and the buds on the trees get shaken off
And sometimes summer doesn't last very long
Sometimes it's too hot
And everything gorgeous loses its looks
By getting hit by a truck Or just because everyone and everything gets old
and ugly and shabby
BUT (and here's the turn) you're going to keep your looks for ever
Your beauty will last for ever
I'm going to make sure that you never lose your good looks
And that nasty old Death can never brag about owning you
Because I shall write this poem about you
As long as men can breathe (are you breathing?)
As long as men can see (are you looking at this poem?)
Then this poem lives, and it gives life and memory to your beauty.
Sonnet 29
When I feel and lucky and as if no one likes me
And I feel all alone and cry
And it's as if my prayers to heaven have no power at all because no one is
listening
And I feel sorry for myself and think that 'm the unluckiest person alive
I wish that I had that persons opportunities
That I looked like that cute person and was as popular as the most popular
person in my class
Wishing that I had that man's talent, and that man's understanding of difficult
concepts
Not at all happy with the things I usually enjoy.
Even then, almost hating myself for thinking this way
Perhaps my thoughts think about you, and then my soul,
Just like the lark that sings at the moment the light of day
Breaks over the cold earth, sings a song filled with joy and light
Because I remember the sweet love we share, and the richness that it brings
And, at that point, remembering what we have together, I wouldn't change
my present condition even with a king.
ASSIGNMENT:
Now, you try...(and I mean just try) to write your own sonnet (in your own words) following the Shakespearean Sonnet rhyme scheme!!! :) Print your poem and put it in the tray by the wall.