Jones,+Tyler+S.

Proposal
Sonnet – I enjoy writing poetry but I have never written a sonnet. Most of the poetry I write is free verse and I rarely rhyme. I have studied poetry so I’m aware with some of the properties of a sonnet. I know that it consist of 14 lines, it’s written in iambic pentameter, and it has a specific rhyme scheme.

Annotated Bibliography
Axelrod, David B. Formal Poetry and the Sonnet. [] accessed 10/10/2010.

This source argues for the importance of Sonnets. It then gives a definition of Sonnets. Explains the components of Sonnets, such as the meter and rhyming. It also provides many links with more descriptions and examples.

eHow. How to Write a Sonnet. [] accessed 10/09/2010.

This source is a basic description on how to write a sonnet. It also gives some tips and warnings on writing a sonnet.

Mahalo. How to Write a Sonnet. [] accessed 10/09/2010.

This source starts out with some historical information on sonnets. It then describes the two different types of sonnets, the Petrarchan Sonnet and the Shakespearean Sonnet. I will be focusing on the Shakespearean form. A great feature of this source is the information given on how to bend some rules when writing.

Shakespeare, William. Sonnet 18.

An example of a Sonnet.

Timpane, John. Writing a Sonnet. [] accessed 10/08/2010.

This source is an actual users guide on how to write a sonnet for dummies. It gives detail instruction on how to write a sonnet. Then gives an example of one of Shakespeare’s better-known sonnets. Last it explains the Shakespeare sonnet and explains how it fits their description of a sonnet.

User’s Guide to Writing a Sonnet
Sonnets are usually inspired by love, but for anyone interested in writing a sonnet for fun, you can draw your inspiration from anything. The sonnet form involves rules and restrictive structure. This can make for a fun yet difficult venture. Some arguments are made that because of the restrictive structure, sonnet writing is not a true form of poetry and is too binding for the artist. While sonnets can be restrictive, the rules give the artist a more challenging assignment and can give a poet who has found it too easy to express themselves a boost in their writing ability.

=The Rules for a Sonnet= · Consist of 14 lines · Written in Iambic Pentameter (will explain) · Consist of a set rhyme scheme · Consist of three quatrains and a couplet (will explain)

=Definitions=

Iambic Pentameter - An iamb is a type of metrical 'foot' used in a poem. It is composed of two syllables, with the accent on the second syllable. Pentameter means that there are five metrical feet per line. Iambic pentameter means that each line of the poem consists of five iambic feet, or 10 total syllables (eHow).

Quatrain - A stanza of 4 lines.

Couplet - A stanza of 2 lines.


 * Important Note:** It might be helpful to have a thesaurus and rhyming dictionary handy when writing a sonnet.

· In the first quatrain you present the situation or subject. · Rhyme scheme a-b-a-b, meaning the ends of the first and third lines rhyme and the ends of the second and fourth lines rhyme. Example from Shakespeare’s Sonnet 18 Shall I compare thee to a summer's day? Thou art more lovely and more temperate: Rough winds do shake the darling buds of May, And summer's lease hath all too short a date: 6. Writing the second quatrain. · The second quatrain you present the dilemma or expand on the situation. · Rhyme scheme c-d-c-d Example from Shakespeare’s Sonnet 18 Sometime too hot the eye of heaven shines, And often is his gold complexion dimmed, And every fair from fair sometime declines, By chance, or nature's changing course untrimmed: 7. Writing the third quatrain. · The third quatrain is the turning point or solution and usually starts with “but.” · Rhyme scheme e-f-e-f Example from Shakespeare’s Sonnet 18 But thy eternal summer shall not fade, Nor lose possession of that fair thou ow'st, Nor shall death brag thou wander'st in his shade, When in eternal lines to time thou grow'st, 8. Writing the couplet. · The couplet is the conclusion. · Rhyme scheme g-g Example from Shakespeare’s Sonnet 18 So long as men can breathe, or eyes can see, So long lives this, and this gives life to thee.
 * 1) First you will want to find a quiet place to write. All poetry needs deep thought and concentration, but with the rules and structure of sonnets, it can be even more difficult to write.
 * 2) Second you want to find a subject to write about. As mentioned before, sonnets are traditionally about love, a quite inspiring subject if you are lucky to have possession of. But you can write about any subject you would like.
 * 3) Break the subject into 3 parts. The sonnet consists of three quatrains and one couplet. A quatrain is a stanza of 4 lines. A couplet is a stanza of 2 lines.
 * 4)  Iambic Pentameter – An iamb is a type of metrical 'foot' used in a poem. It is composed of two syllables, with the accent on the second syllable. Pentameter means that there are five metrical feet per line. Iambic pentameter means that each line of the poem consists of five iambic feet, or 10 total syllables (eHow).
 * 5) Writing the first quatrain.

**Note:** Modern sonnet writers often leave the rhyme out, but maintain the meter and line structure (Timpane). A sonnet is a form of poetry so the writer should feel free to express him or herself however they see necessary. It wouldn't be art if you couldn't bend the rules a little bit.