Shakespeare’s 135

Worksheet Description

This worksheet features Shakespeare’s Sonnet 135 and prompts the student to engage with the text through several analytical questions. The questions are aimed at dissecting the poem’s structure, including counting the number of lines, syllables per line, and identifying the rhyme scheme and meter. There’s also an inquiry about the content, asking what the poem is about, which encourages interpretive thinking.

The worksheet is teaching students to approach a Shakespearean sonnet with a critical eye, breaking down its formal elements to better understand its construction and rhythm. It guides them through the process of scansion, which involves analyzing the meter of a line of poetry by marking the stressed and unstressed syllables. This practice deepens students’ appreciation for the artistry of sonnets and enhances their skills in literary analysis. Additionally, by reflecting on the poem’s theme, students connect the form of the sonnet with its content, enriching their comprehension of Shakespeare’s work.