Shakespeare in sonnet writing.

 

Shakespeare in sonnet writing.

(Examples are granted from “sonnet-18”)


Introduction

                        Shakespeare’s sonnets have almost all the poetic points to be discusses and criticized. Right from one issue to the other, each and every element of his poetry deserves special focus such as: the structure, form, devices, rhyme scheme, rhythm and the thematic concerns.

 

·       Structure.

Sonnet 18 is an example for typical Shakespearean style. Comprising three quatrains in Iambic pentameter ending in a heroic couplet. (ABAB CDCD EFEF GG)

 

It follows the tradition of dividing the sonnet in to two parts.

 

·       The object of the sonnet.

The poem (sonnet 18) begins with a philosophical/poetic question to compare “thee” (poet’s friend / fair youth).

 

“Thou” of the second line (his beloved) is thought as more charming than the beautiful “summer day” of English.

 

The whole sonnet maintains a hierarchy.

ü It starts from the description of the charm of the beloved.

 

ü It goes on referring to the facts of life with the help of figurative devices; simile, metaphor, personification.

 

It’s like;

§  Suggestion of the argument.

§  Extension in the argument.

§  Summing up the argument.

§  Couplet is the conclusion.

 

·      Uniqueness.

Many poems in the history of poetry have been dedicated to the poet’s beloved, but the poem is extremely unique because it starts with a question.

 



 

I will talk about themes in Shakespearean sonnets in my next article.

Location: Galle, Sri Lanka

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