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Whether you're working on a paper, or just want to explore a poem you love a
little more deeply, this step-by-step guide will show you how to study one of
Shakespeare’s sonnets and develop a critical response.
01
of 06
Luckily, Shakespeare’s sonnets were written to a very precise poetic form. And
each section (or quatrain) of the sonnet has a purpose.
The sonnet will have exactly 14 lines, split up into the following sections or
"quatrains":
02
of 06
First, try and identify what the sonnet is trying to say? What question is it
asking of the reader?
The answer to this should be in the first and last quatrains; lines 1-4 and 13-14.
Quatrain One: These first four lines should set out the subject matter
of the sonnet.
Quatrain Four: The final two lines normally attempt to conclude the
subject and ask the important question at the core of the sonnet.
By comparing these two quatrains, you should be able to identify the sonnet’s
theme.
03
of 06
This is normally contained in the third quatrain, lines 9-12. The writer
typically uses these four lines to extend the theme by adding a twist or
complexity to the poem.
Identify what this twist or complexity is adding to the subject, and you will
work out what the writer is attempting to say about the theme.
Once you have this, compare it to quatrain four. You will normally find the
point reflected there.
04
of 06
Go through the sonnet line by line, and highlight any images the author
uses. What connects them? What do they say about the theme?
Now look closely at quatrain two; lines 5-8. Typically, this is where the
writer will extend the theme into imagery or a powerful metaphor.
05
of 06
Work through each line of your sonnet and underline the stressed beats.
If the pattern changes then focus on it and consider what the poet is
attempting to achieve.
06
of 06
Look back over the sonnet and use the information you have gathered so far to
decide what the writer is saying about his or her muse.
This is slightly easier in Shakespeare's sonnets because they are split into three
distinct sections, each with a clear muse, as follows: