Question

english poets began to imitate the italian sonnet giving the english world an opportunity to appreciate the skill needed to express themselves within the confines of a sonnet. john milton wrote sonnets using the italian form. directions: examine the sonnet closely and answer the following questions. “on his blindness” by john milton when i consider how my light is spent ere half my days, in this dark world and wide, and that one talent which is death to hide, lodged with me useless, though my soul more bent to serve therewith my maker, and present my true account, lest he returning chide; \doth god exact day - labor, light denied?\ i fondly ask; but patience to prevent that murmur, soon replies, \god doth not need either mans work or his own gifts; who best bear his mile yoke, they serve him best. his state is kingly. thousands at his bidding speed and post oer land and ocean without rest; they also serve who only stand and wait.\ 1. write out the rhyme scheme _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 2. which line contains a shift in mood?_ 3. how many syllables does each line contain?_ 4. write one or two sentences summarizing the first eight lines._ 5. write one or two sentences summarizing the final six lines._ 6. what challenges does the sonnet present to a poet?___ scoring: give to your instructor for reviewing teacher initials creative writing 1203 unit test

Explanation:

1. Analyze the end - words of each line to determine the rhyme scheme. In this sonnet, the rhyme scheme is abba abba cdcdcd.
2. The mood shift occurs when the speaker's questioning is answered by Patience. This happens at line 9.
3. Each line in a traditional sonnet like this one has 10 syllables, following iambic pentameter.
4. The first eight lines express the speaker's lament about going blind before fully using his talent and his fear of God's rebuke for not serving.
5. The final six lines convey the idea that God doesn't need man's work or gifts, and those who patiently wait also serve God.
6. A sonnet presents challenges such as adhering to a strict rhyme scheme (abba abba cdcdcd here), iambic pentameter (10 - syllable lines), and fitting a complete thought or emotional arc within 14 lines.

Answer:

1. abba abba cdcdcd
2. Line 9
3. 10
4. The speaker laments going blind early and fears God's rebuke for not using his talent.
5. God doesn't need man's work, and those who wait patiently serve him.
6. Strict rhyme scheme, meter, and containing a complete thought in 14 lines.