1. What does the ababcdcdefefgg pattern indicate? What matches up and defines the sequence?
2. Interpreters of sonnets need to identify the clues the author provides. Count the syllables in each line and mark each individual foot. Remember a foot consists of two syllables; the first unstressed the second stressed.
ie. But SOFT / what LIGHT / through YON / der WIN / dow BREAKS
3. What other clues are given to pronounce certain words? Share your discoveries.
4. Does punctuation help? How?
5. Look up and define words which may be familiar but had different meanings in the past.
temperate darling buds lease
fair course owest brag
READ THE POEM OUT LOUD IN A SINGSONG PATTERN - OVEREMPHASIZE THE STRESSED SYLLABLES OF THE SONNET. THIS REQUIRES STRESSING THE SECOND SYLLABLE STRONGLY; THE FIRST SYLLABLE IS SHORT THE SECOND SYLLABLE LONGER
6. How does this exaggerated reading affect the images of the poem?
7. How does the exaggerated reading affect the meaning of the poem?
8. Where do the pauses fall? Which kind of pause should be longest: semicolon, or comma?
9. In which line does the syntax run over? What does this mean in terms of saying the line?
REREAD THE SONNET OUT LOUD, CONSIDER THE RHYTHM BUT DO NOT HIT THE STRESSED SYLLABLES SO STRONGLY AS WITH THE SING SONG.
10. Does the poem make more sense? How is the experience different?