Author: dpi
Last saved by: User
Company: Jeffco Schools

Analyzing Sonnet 130
(Shakespeare) 

1.	Mark the rhyme scheme of the sonnet.  This is dictated by the last word of each line.  The first word is marked with an A.  If the last word of the second line rhymes with the last word of the first line, it too is marked with an A.  If it does not rhyme, however, it is marked with a B.
Example: 	Roses are red,  A
			Violets are blue;  B
		Sugar is sweet,  C
			And so are you.  B 

2.	To the right of each line and on the blanks provided, write down what you think the line means.  Put the lines in your own words.

3.	Find one metaphor in the sonnet.  Place a box around the metaphor.

4.	Find one simile.  Place a circle around the simile.  

5.	Sonnets have something called a turn.  It’s where the author’s tone or meaning or topic seems to change a little.  Where do you think the turn begins?  Where in this sonnet does Shakespeare seem to change gears?  (Hint -- the turn usually begins the summation or overall meaning/point of the sonnet):
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________  

6.	Assonance is the repetition of a vowel sound within a line or two lines of poetry.  
Example:  	The cat sat sadly on the mat because he was mad.

Find two examples of assonance in the sonnet.  On the line provided, write the line number and the words containing assonance:
______________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

7.	Alliteration is the repetition of a consonant sound within a line or two lines of poetry. 
Example:  The bad boy brought bugs and put them in the bed. (Note: the letter does not have to be at the beginning of the word.)

Find two examples of alliteration in the sonnet.  On the lines provided, write the line number and the words containing alliteration:  
______________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

8.	In your opinion, what point was Shakespeare trying to make in this sonnet?

9.   If you were the recipient of this poem, how would you feel?  Why?