Class : Gentle Introduction to the Sonnet

This is a short, fun, and casual introduction to the sonnet. The name of the form comes from the Italian word sonetto or "little song." However, this little song has had a huge influence on the development of English poetry, resulting in some of the most beautiful works produced by our greatest writers.

This class has nine lessons:

1. Gentle Beginnings - Tell me about yourself, and what you want to learn.
   


2. Iambic Pentameter - We'll learn to use, but not be a slave to, the traditional rhythm of the sonnet in English.
   


3. Rhyme Scheme - Traditionally, sonnets have specific rhyming patterns, which are part of their charm and challenge. We'll look at the notation used to indicate rhyme scheme that you'll use for the rest of the class.
   


4. The Italian Sonnet - We'll learn to write the earliest form of sonnet, a gift from Italy.
   


5. The English Sonnet - We'll learn to write sonnets in the form adapted during the English Renaissance, the form used by Shakespeare.
   


6. Variations - We'll try some interesting forms based on the sonnet.
   


7. Enjambment - Here, we'll experiment with enjambment, which is a fancy term for continuing thoughts across multiple lines in your poetry.
   


8. Pitfalls in Poetry - We'll look at some ways to avoid cliches and trite constructions in your poetry.
   
   
9. Sonnet Sequences - Finally, we'll have some fun with traditional arrangements of multiple sonnets to form a larger work.
   
   
10. Fond Farewells - Tell me what you liked about the class, and how it could be better. Then write a sonnet that will sweep the objects of your affection right off their feet.
    

After you have completed this course, you are invited to join the group http://allpoetry.com/group/show/Graduate+Seminar+on+the+Sonnet, where we can continue to work together and comment on each other's sonnets in a workshop setting.

These classes are for fun, and you're taking this class for enjoyment. I enjoy teaching, so it works out well for me, too. I will give you sincere, friendly, useful feedback. All I ask is that you take my suggestions in the spirit intended, and work with me as we explore new ways to express ourselves. I generally grade lessons on Sunday mornings, but will grade more frequently if time allows. Some of the lessons allow you to move on without waiting for a grade: if you're feeling confident, feel free to continue, and I'll catch up with you as soon as I can.