Sonnets!!!

We are hitting several things today, all with sonnets. And hopefully all on the computers. First of all, after I give the notes, you will visit Sonnet Central (link here) and find a sonnet to annotate. What you will need to do is copy the sonnet and past it into a word document, then use the comments to annotate it. I don't want something with two or three points on it. I want something that looks like a WEB of detail. :)

Step 1: Pick a sonnet. It does not have to be written by Shakespeare (or Petrarch), but it DOES need to fit the sonnet form and be a well-written poem. The websites below will help you come up with one. Do NOT take too long to find one, but DO select a sonnet that you like and understand.

Shakespearean

Other sonnets (click on the poet's name and it will take you to that page, then you can click on sonnets written by that poet)

Step 2: Annotate the sonnet using the comments feature of the word processing program. First, copy and paste the sonnet into the document (including title and poet). Next, break it apart (the longer version of what you will do during the AP test on the poetry question), making notes and analysis. The websites below will help in this process. I am hoping we all know how to use the comments feature because I couldn't find a website with a tutorial for whatever generic version of word processing is on these machines...

Annotation Guides

Mr. Prestney, whom you probably wish was your teacher...

A wiki with a great example of what an annotated poem LOOKS like...

If that link doesn't work from school, here is another link.

Secondly, you will do an AP Sonnet practice question, below. Use whatever class time you have and then finish at home. Do two things. First, copy and paste into the word doc and ANNOTATE IT like the other. THEN write the essay (we will type this one, just type it below your annotation) and then email it to me. Put SONNET as the subject line.

In the Shakespearean sonnet below, the poet analyzes perspectives of reality. In an organized essay, discuss the literary techniques used to reveal the speaker's attitude toward truth in love and the apparent relativity of it.

CXXXVIII
When my love swears that she is made of truth,
I do believe her though I know she lies,
That she might think me some untutored youth,
Unlearned in the world's false subtleties.
Thus vainly thinking that she thinks me young,
Although she knows my days are past the best,
Simply I credit her false-speaking tongue:
On both sides thus is simple truth suppressed:
But wherefore says she not she is unjust?
And wherefore say not I that I am old?
Of love's best habit is in seeming trust,
And age in love, loves not to have years told:
Therefore I lie with her, and she with me,
And in our faults by lies we flattered be.