After bringing our Shakespearean sonnet performances to a close in our 8th grade drama classes, we took some time to try our hand at writing sonnets of our own! Students had to follow the structure of a sonnet:
- 14 lines (3, 4-line stanzas and a rhyming couplet)
- iambic pentameter (10 syllables per line)
- a rhyme scheme of abab cdcd efef gg
- and a topic focused on one idea or problem that gets solved or finalized in the couplet.
All students handed in their attempts and I (Mrs. Roche) picked what I thought were the 5 best entries in each class period. From there, I read the 5 nominees to anonymously to the class, and the class voted on the best sonnet. Overall, there were many strong and inspiring entries--I was very impressed. The two winning sonnets (one from each class) are transcribed below. Enjoy!
Period 8 Sonnet Winner: Mick R.
The battle on the horizon is near, Warriors shake and tremble with terror, Sun still hidden from day, arousing fear, A vulture waits for someone's grave error. Armies grow closer, a sighting declared, And so arises a deafening roar, Captain is leading warriors prepared, The day shall go down forever in lore. A father thinks back to his only son, As the charge begins, so his hope does end, Too late is it now for the man to run, He needs to use his sword and shield to fend. A white flag flies and the ground has run red, All is joyful but the son's father is dead. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Period 9 Sonnet Winner: Jamie S.
That tiny button shaped piece of candy Liquefied, melting in my open hand Given to me by my dear Aunt Sandi Only 5, standing my feet in the sand. These colors filling my mind with wonder I need to try one little button piece, I wanted a box to hide them under Once my candies are gone, would my fun cease? As a little girl I started to cry The "happy birthday" stamp starting to fade, Were my own m&m's going bye-bye? Like other treasures buried with a spade. After a bite my mouth filled with disgust, Those m&m's are not the things I lust!
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