The English Sonnet

Worksheet Description

This worksheet presents an English sonnet, describing its key characteristics, such as having fourteen lines and a specific rhyme scheme (ababcdcdefefgg), and typically exploring themes of love. It includes a sonnet by John Keats and tasks the student with analyzing the poem by identifying its rhyme scheme and discussing the content. The worksheet provides a structure for the student to engage with the poem, encouraging a detailed examination of its formal properties and thematic essence.

The aim of this worksheet is to educate students about the structure of an English sonnet and to enhance their skills in literary analysis. By identifying the rhyme scheme, students practice analyzing poetic form and understanding the intricacies of sonnet composition. The question regarding the content of the poem prompts students to think critically about the themes and emotional nuances within the sonnet. This exercise not only improves their ability to dissect poetry but also deepens their appreciation for the emotional and intellectual depth found in sonnet literature.