Course:Sonnet 18 by William Shakespeare

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CRWR 501P 003
Advanced Writing of Poetry
  • Instructor:Dr. Bronwen Tate
  • Email: Bronwen.tate@ubc.ca
  • Office: Buchanan E #456
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"Sonnet 18" by William Shakespeare is a famous poem that compares someone's beauty to a lovely summer day. It starts with the line, "Shall I compare thee to a summer's day?"

This simple yet enduring poem reminds me of the power of clear and expressive language. As Shakespeare beautifully asks, "Shall I compare thee to a summer's day?" This question inspires me to use vivid and relatable descriptions in my writing. For instance, in a recent story, I described a smile as "bright and warm, like sunshine on a rainy day."

The poem also suggests that words can make someone's beauty last forever, with the line, "As long as people can breathe and see." This encourages me to think about how my writing can connect with readers for a long time. In a recent novel, I included a character who left behind heartfelt letters, showing the idea of preserving feelings through writing.

However, Sonnet 18 reminds me of the challenge of expressing deep emotions using simple words. Shakespeare accomplishes it so well with clarity. It's a lesson in using straightforward language to evoke strong feelings in my readers. It teaches me the importance of clear descriptions, the lasting impact of art, and the skill of saying a lot with just a few words. It's a reminder to aim for a lasting impression in my storytelling, just as Shakespeare achieved with this famous sonnet.

William Shakespeare

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