Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Each group will be given a sonnet to dissect and analyze in order to create a slideshow
presentation for the entire class.
Step 1: Dissecting the Poem
Read poem
Underline words you dont know
o Define them
o Make sure definition is correct one (use context clues)
Fill in those blanks
Look for natural breaks, like the end of a sentence (not a line break) or where a
comma creates a pause
Find the meaning
Rewrite the poem in your own words (as a group)
Dissect the Three quatrains
o Each quatrain sets up the scene, idea, theme, or message/argument
o Each quatrain adds to the overall scene, idea, theme, or message/argument
Dissect the Couplet
o The couplet resolves it or sums it up
o The couplet usually contains the true meaning of what he is saying or his
purpose for writing (sometimes the couplet is at odds with what the previous
parts of the sonnet suggests)
TPCASTT
o Use TPCASTT to help you analyze the meaning
Step 2: Themes and Devices
Look for Themes (see the list or create your own)
Look for literary devices (see the list)
Step
3: Analyze
What does the poem suggest for the audience?
Who is the intended audience?
(Historical and cultural context should be highly considered)
What are the 2 or 3 most important literary devices that he uses and how do they
work? Find a quote for each device
(tone verb)
(summary of message)
(statement of purpose)
(tone verb)
In his ironic poem, Sonnet 800, William Shakespeare shows the true meaning of
spiritual guidance in order to mock the corrupted clergy through aphorism and allusion.
Presentation
Your presentation must include at least one group member teaching the sonnet
as the slideshow is presented, or you can split this up into different group members
for different topics.
As an audience member you will take notes on each presentation and be prepared
for a test.