Caitlin Fitzpatrick

Dr. Plummer

Engl 211

October 23, 2018

Rhetorical Analysis

Sonnets have been regularly seen since they have come into existence in the 13th century.

They consist of 14 lines and exert a consistent structure and rhythm pattern. Although they have

a heavy footprint in early history, they are still frequently used in literature today. In the film 10

Things I Hate About You, the sonnet presents itself as a main point in the plot of the movie as

the main characters are asked to write their own poems for a literature class. The sonnet that the

main character, Katarina Stratford, writes is an accurate example of how a sonnet can be used in

today’s society. Still using the rhetorical devices and structure that makes up a traditional sonnet

Katarina Stratford has devised a sonnet that is relatable to her audience.

The purpose of this poem is to convey a love interest that is complicated to the audience.

Katarina Stratford lists the many things that she hates about her romantic partner, only to

juxtapose her statements in the last few lines that “she does not hate him at all”. She states, “But

mostly I hate the way I don’t hate you…”, (line 15) This strategy conveys that the positive side

of their relationships overshadows the negative. Through this she is connecting to her audience

by relating to anybody who has been through a frustrating experience, but stuck with it because

of overwhelmingly strong feelings. Mixed feelings is an evident theme in this poem which is

illustrated through her purpose.

The imagery that is used in this sonnet further advances the purpose through vivid

depictions about main character, Katarina Stratfords, significant other, Patrick Verona. Within
every line she describes this boy, (Patrick Verona), and his flaws. This poem uses a variety of

verbs followed by their appropriate nouns to keep a consistent structure. In lines 1-2, “I hate the

way you talk to me, and the way you cut your hair” (Line 1-2), Katarina physically describes the

traits that Patrick Verona possesses which enhances the depictive element of this poem. This

poem is very emotive as she is professing mixed feelings for Patrick, however the poem reaches

the audience through this imagery. When describing the things she hates about Patrick, the

audience reflects upon his traits she is describing and connects them to their own personal

experience.

The expression of this poem is intended to evoke internal emotions that are viewed as

conflicts between two persons. The way that Katarina addresses her hatred over the casual acts

and the overall being of her love interest, Patrick, reflects upon her audience to bring up empathy

on her behalf. The final line of the poem “not even at all”, exerts the relationship to be imperfect

but romantic nonetheless. Because of this epiphany, the poem elicits a bittersweet factor that

establishes relatability to the audience, especially reaching to those who may have experienced a

complicated relationship. The purpose of the poem the author was attempting was successful. It

provides a modern shift to the historical element of the sonnet, and reaches the audience

indubitably. Through the use of imagery, Katarina brings forth a true mental image of her

significant other while composing the structure suitably.

Works Cited

“A Brief History of the Sonnet.” Coldfront, coldfrontmag.com/a-brief-history-of-the-sonnet/.