3 Reasons Secondary ELA Students Should Study Sonnets

Shakespearean sonnets, with their rich language and poetic craftsmanship, have stood the test of time as enduring works of art. When students study sonnets in a secondary ELA classroom, they can explore these compact yet powerful poems while building essential skills. Often secondary ELA teachers look to avoid the classics. As I wrote in a previous blog post on The Odyssey, there is still great value in the literary tradition. In this blog post, we present three compelling reasons why students should delve into the world of sonnets. In addition to Shakespeare, I\’ve linked 3 of my favorite sonnets from other authors below. From honing critical thinking skills to deepening appreciation for poetic devices, let\’s uncover the value of studying sonnets in the classroom.

Exploring Language and Poetic Devices

One art form that covers the vast majority of your literature standards and skills? What a dream! When students study sonnets, you can teach, assess, remediate and enrich all of the inferential language skills they need to succeed! As the National Council of Teachers of English points out: \”poems can offer high content in an accessible package.\”

Sonnets offer a treasure trove of linguistic exploration and poetic devices, making them an ideal tool for expanding students\’ understanding of language and literary techniques. Through the study of sonnets, students can delve into the use of metaphor, simile, alliteration, personification, and other rhetorical devices. They can observe how these devices contribute to the sonnet\’s overall meaning and impact. Additionally, sonnets provide opportunities to explore word choice, imagery, and the interplay between form and content. By engaging with these poetic elements, students gain a deeper appreciation for the power and beauty of language.

Exploration of Universal Themes

My students study sonnets alongside Macbeth. One approach I take is to teach 4 thematically related sonnets side by side. This way students can see how Shakespeare develops a theme from a basic expression in to an advanced metaphor. The particular sonnets I\’ve chosen in the above lesson deal with the theme of death, so they pair perfectly with most of Shakespeare\’s tragedies (or any other text on that theme).

Sonnets often explore universal themes such as love, beauty, time, and mortality. These timeless themes resonate with students as they navigate their own lives and experiences. Studying sonnets allows students to engage with profound emotions and reflect on their own perceptions of the human condition. Through the examination of various sonnets, students gain insights into the diverse ways in which poets across different eras and cultures have grappled with these enduring themes, fostering empathy and expanding their understanding of the human experience.

Students Study Literary Tradition

Sonnets have a rich literary tradition spanning centuries. While your students may groan about Shakespeare, there are other options! They\’ll no doubt love other renowned poets such as Percy Shelly, Elizabeth Barrett Browning, and Sir Thomas Wyatt. Each of these classic poets contributed to the evolution of the sonnet tradition. By studying sonnets, students engage with literary history and develop an appreciation for the evolution of poetic forms. They gain exposure to influential poets and their unique styles, techniques, and contributions. This exploration cultivates an understanding of the impact of sonnets on the broader landscape of literature. It will also encourage students to make connections between past and contemporary works.

Studying sonnets in the secondary ELA classroom offers students a wealth of benefits. By grappling with this poetic form, students gain an appreciation for the rich literary tradition that sonnets embody. Engaging with sonnets expands students\’ literary horizons, deepens their critical analysis abilities, and nurtures their creative expression. By delving into the world of sonnets, students develop a lifelong appreciation for poetry and a heightened sensitivity to the power of language and emotions.

Everyone Wins When Students Study Sonnets

We have the privilege of guiding our students on a literary journey that encompasses various genres, styles, and forms. By incorporating the study of sonnets into our curriculum, we equip students with essential analytical skills, deepen their understanding of language and poetic devices, and foster a lasting appreciation for literature. Through the exploration of sonnets, students can unlock the beauty and power of these compact poetic treasures. So, let\’s embark on this poetic adventure with our students, as we unravel the sonnet\’s intricate tapestry of language and emotion.