REMEMBER, no class on Wednesday (sadly) since I'll be out of town until the afternoon. I should be back by 1 or so if you have any questions or need any assistance.
Read through the next batch of Sonnets, especially the following pairs:
30-31
33-35
40-41
46-47
57-58
Then answer TWO of the following, or ONE in a longer response:
Q1: In many of the Sonnets, Shakespeare seems to elaborate on the same idea in pairs or throughout several Sonnets. Discuss how one of the pairs above seems to do this? What does he most develop: the situation? The metaphor? the approach? the tone/attitude? Be specific so we can see how they're related, and if possible, what one of them develops (is the second harsher than the first, or vice versa?)
Q2: How does the relationship seem to change throughout these Sonnets, especially in light of the previous ones? Is the relationship progressing, or standing still? Are there any new developments or new characters in the 'drama' of the Sonnets? Does the poet reveal himself in new ways in these Sonnets? Is a platonic love becoming erotic, or vice versa? Be sure to highlight a specific example.
Q3: Discuss a line or lines where Shakespeare either employs puns or words/phrases that have multiple meanings. How does Shakespeare exploit these words to create ambiguity or a complex meaning? Is he trying to be cautious in doing so, or is he being catty or derisive?
Q4: Many of these poems are defined by their complaints: the poet seems to have a lot of grievances against the young man, and has trouble hiding his feelings. Reading between the lines, what does the young man seem to have done to the poet, or what 'crimes' has he committed? Do these threaten the relationship they have together, or is it more born out of jealousy or paranoia?
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