Features of a Sonnet
Structural features of a Shakespearean sonnet * The first twelve lines are divided into four lines each * There are fourteen lines * 3 quatrains and a couplet (last 2 lines) * A rhyme scheme of abab cdcd efef gg * Quatrain one - states the problem * Quatrain two- elaborates on the problem * Quatrain three- a solution * Couplet- what happened at the end * Developed so that each quatrain progresses towards a surprising turn of events in the ending couplet
What is the typical subject matter?
The typical subject matter is love. Shakespeare may have used a sonnet for this subject matter as Romeo and Juliet were in love and the sonnet (back then) was the most common form of love poetry then.
Why do you think Shakespeare opted to present their first meeting in the form of a sonnet?
Possibly because back in those days, they did not have electricity or lightning etc, therefore plays were all about the skills in writing and how the actors spoke the words. Hence, the reason he chose to write a sonnet, also because it emphasises the whole love subject matter as sonnets flow and are usually quite romantic.
What happens after the 5 first lines immediately after the first kiss?
Romeo and Juliet then kiss again.
What might be significant about the shared/broken line just before they are interrupted by the nurse?
The fact that they Juliet questioned Romeo: “Then have my lips the sin that they have took?” She is implying that now that she has kissed Romeo, the sin from his lips then come onto hers. However, Romeo then replies saying: “Sin from thy lips? O trespass sweetly urged! Give me my sin again.” This quote suggests that Romeo is willing to commit crime for Juliet, due to the passionate love he has for
What is the typical subject matter?
The typical subject matter is love. Shakespeare may have used a sonnet for this subject matter as Romeo and Juliet were in love and the sonnet (back then) was the most common form of love poetry then.
Why do you think Shakespeare opted to present their first meeting in the form of a sonnet?
Possibly because back in those days, they did not have electricity or lightning etc, therefore plays were all about the skills in writing and how the actors spoke the words. Hence, the reason he chose to write a sonnet, also because it emphasises the whole love subject matter as sonnets flow and are usually quite romantic.
What happens after the 5 first lines immediately after the first kiss?
Romeo and Juliet then kiss again.
What might be significant about the shared/broken line just before they are interrupted by the nurse?
The fact that they Juliet questioned Romeo: “Then have my lips the sin that they have took?” She is implying that now that she has kissed Romeo, the sin from his lips then come onto hers. However, Romeo then replies saying: “Sin from thy lips? O trespass sweetly urged! Give me my sin again.” This quote suggests that Romeo is willing to commit crime for Juliet, due to the passionate love he has for