Elizabethan Language and Sonnet Unit
Unit Length: 8-10 days
Click here for all unit resources.
Student Prep:
Completion of Renaissance Study Guide, review of literary terms and how to
identify patterns in literature
Day 1
1. Journal: Open Response:
Love Sonnets.
2. Lit Workshop : Intro to Sonnets
a. Review basic features – patterns
to look for
1) Structure & rhyme scheme
2) common techniques
a) metaphor/conceit
b) personification
c) imagery
d) structure & argument
e) themes of love and rejection;
various tones
b. Read sonnets pp. 160-184 in old book – could easily be adapted to the new book.
1) Do in pairs.
2) Write a short (couple sentences)
summary of each poem’s meaning and your impression of it. Do as many as you can and hold onto your
responses in your portfolio.
3.
Homework: Read Sonnet 116 (p. 304) and write a one paragraph
response to it for tomorrow.
Day 2
1.
Journal: What is true love?
2.
Reader’s Workshop
a. Perform Sonnet 116 analysis on overhead
with class. This usually takes at least one and a half class periods.
b. Heavy discussion of meaning and true
love – analyze technique but don’t forget effect and meaning.
1.
Journal: none
2. Reader’s Workshop
a. Perform Sonnet 116 analysis on overhead
with class.
b. Heavy discussion of meaning and true
love – analyze technique but don’t forget effect and meaning.
3.
If time, write your own sonnet!
Day 4
1. Journal: none
2. Sonnet Mastery Workshop (overhead)
a. Assign Sonnet Mastery Presentation Groups & Parameters – reduce to 15
minutes and alter meaning of Dramatic
Interpretation. Distribute handout of your sonnet for marking.
b. Do a phrase by phrase translation into
common language; then, summarize the quatrains and couplet (or other structures
if you have another type of sonnet.)
c. Begin analysis for technique and theme.
1) Everyone finish individually as
HW.
2) For the analysis, you are looking
for literary techniques as described in the assignment.
d. Note that this prep can be done in two or three days,
depending on class need.
1. Journal: none
2. Sonnet Mastery Workshop (overhead)
a. Create a thematic statement for
your sonnet and synthesize analysis of it.
b. Create meaning for each technique –
author intent.
c. Design your lesson – present tomorrow
and Thursday.
d. Individual
analysis of sonnets due.
1.
Journal: none
2. Sonnet Presentations
a. Sonnet 26
b. Sonnet 30
c. Sonnet 31
d. Debrief.
Day 7
1.
Journal: none
2. Sonnet Presentations
a. Heart Exchange
b. Sonnet 18
c. Sonnet 130
3.
If we were to write a paper,
a. (review two part thesis) student thesis generation
b. (review essay construction) create a supporting
outline
c. discuss a more psychological approach
1.
Journal: none
2. Timed Writing
Sonnet Analysis Timed Writing