English

Topic

The "essay" assignment for poetry is to write an original sonnet. Your sonnet does not have to be about the traditional sonnet topics of love, death, or religion; it can be about anything. However, it must adhere to the major divisions of either the Petrarchan or the Shakespearean sonnet in both rhyme scheme and development of thought. While I do not expect that you will write in iambic pentameter, each line of your sonnet should consist of ten syllables.

Assessment for Original Sonnet Grade: _____

Form (12 pts. ea.) ____ 14-line poem ____ Follows conventions of either Petrarchan or Shakespearean form ____ Adheres to rhyme scheme of type of sonnet (abbaabbacdecde or cdcdcd for Petrarchan; ababcdcdefefgg for Shakespearean) ____ Adheres to major divisions of type of sonnet (octave and sestet for Petrarchan; 3 quatrains and couplet for Shakespearean) ____ Each line consists of 10 syllables

Meaning (10 pts. ea.) ____ Uses appropriate punctuation, spelling, and grammar ____ Develops single thought or emotion ____ Second part comments on first part in some way ____ Demonstrates creativity, original thought