The 16th Century , Journal Notes and Sonnet Poetry Questions

Utopia, Sir Thomas More

https://www.sparknotes.com/philosophy/utopia/summa…

What do the Utopian uses of gold (e.g. for chamberpots) suggest about the nature of economic value?

Why does More make slavery so essential to the functioning of Utopian society?

How would the Utopians resolve the vexing problems of modern urban life, such as the fair distribution of parking spaces?

Pick two customs or policies to examine in detail. What merits do you see in these customs or policies? What do you find most troubling?

• Compose your own 14-line sonnet following either Shakespearean or Petrarchan sonnet conventions. Use any subject, just. follow sonnet conventions.  https://www.sparknotes.com/shakespeare/sonnets/  Here is a link to help.
• Keep in mind; 
• Unlike the sonnets of his contemporaries, Shakespeare’s sonnets focus on a beautiful young man (instead of a lady) as an object of love and devotion, as well as a dark and sexually promiscuous mistress (instead of a chaste, blond woman).
• Range of moods/emotions in his sonnets (unlike Petrarchan sonnets)

Sonnets 1-17: celebrates beauty of young man and urges him to have children

Sonnets 18-126 still focused on young man, and discusses the ephemeral nature of life versus love and the staying power of poetry

Remaining sonnets focus on “Dark Lady”

Sonnets are dense and complex 

Lastly, analyze one of the assigned sonnets, preferably two of Shakespeare’s.  How do content and form complement each other? Compare the two in different ways. Consider the structure of the sonnet as well as poetic devices (such as metaphor, alliteration, etc.). Write a small paragraph, 6-8 sentences. Must use evidence to support your claim. https://www.sparknotes.com/shakespeare/sonnets/quo…