Student Activities for Sonnet 73
Essential Questions for "Sonnet 73"
- How can time create conflict in a person’s life?
- Is it more important to “seize the day” and live in the moment, or to be very conscious of what might happen in the years to come?
- How do the seasons of nature reflect our own life cycle?
A Quick Synopsis of "Sonnet 73"
The narrator opens the poem by comparing the passing of his life to the season autumn, which quickly fades into the cold, barren winter. He also compares his dwindling time to common motifs such as twilight, and the embers of a once-roaring fire. Typical of Shakespeare sonnets, however, there is a twist in the final couplet: the narrator directly addresses someone in this final couplet, saying that that person sees all of these images of dying, but they make that person’s love stronger (perhaps for the narrator), since that person knows they will eventually lose the object of their affections. This final couplet could also be viewed as the narrator advising the readers that we see age and the ones we love getting older, so we should increase our love for them even more, because we don’t know how much time we have left with them.
Check out all of our Shakespeare Resources
- Types of Shakespeare Plays
- Romeo and Juliet
- Macbeth
- Hamlet
- Othello
- Julius Caesar
- Richard III
- King Lear
- The Tempest
- Twelfth Night
- Sonnet 73
- A Midsummer Night's Dream
- Picture Encyclopedia of Shakespeare Plays
How Tos about Sonnet 73 by William Shakespeare
Empower students to write their own Shakespearean-style sonnet
Encourage creativity by challenging students to compose a sonnet using Shakespearean structure and themes. This hands-on activity helps students internalize poetic forms and deepen understanding of metaphor, rhyme, and meaning.
Introduce the basic structure of a Shakespearean sonnet
Explain the 14-line format consisting of three quatrains and a final couplet. Clarify rhyme scheme (ABAB CDCD EFEF GG) to set clear expectations for students before they begin writing.
Guide students in brainstorming personal themes or life stages
Prompt students to reflect on personal experiences with change, growth, or the passage of time. Suggest they choose a metaphor, like seasons or day/night, to ground their writing and make connections to Sonnet 73.
Support students in drafting and revising their sonnets
Encourage students to write a first draft and then share with a partner for feedback. Focus revisions on imagery, word choice, and emotional impact so each sonnet feels authentic and powerful.
Celebrate with a classroom poetry reading
Host a sonnet share-out where students read their work aloud. This builds confidence and appreciation for poetry and the creative process, making the experience memorable for everyone.
Frequently Asked Questions about Sonnet 73 by William Shakespeare
What is a simple summary of Sonnet 73 by Shakespeare?
Sonnet 73 is a poem where Shakespeare uses metaphors like autumn, twilight, and dying embers to reflect on aging and the passage of time, ultimately emphasizing that awareness of mortality makes love stronger.
How can I quickly teach Sonnet 73 in a K-12 classroom?
Start by reading the sonnet aloud, then discuss the metaphors used for aging (winter, night, dying fire). Facilitate a TPCASTT analysis and connect the poem to students’ experiences with time passing. Wrap up by exploring the message in the final couplet.
What literary devices are found in Sonnet 73?
Sonnet 73 features metaphors, imagery, symbolism, and a twist in the final couplet. Shakespeare compares aging to seasons, twilight, and a dying fire to convey the inevitability of death and the value of love.
What are good discussion questions for Sonnet 73?
Consider asking: How does time create conflict? Is it better to seize the day or plan for the future? How do nature’s seasons mirror our own life cycle?
Why is Sonnet 73 a useful poem for teaching about life cycles and aging?
Sonnet 73 uses relatable metaphors that help students understand aging, change, and the importance of cherishing relationships. It's a strong entry point for exploring life cycles in literature and personal experience.
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