Shakespeare's Sonnets UIL Lit Crit CRAM

This sonnet is not directed to (or written about) the Fair Youth, but instead to or about ___.

• Anne Hathaway (Shakespeare’s wife)

• the “Dark Lady”

• Queen Elizabeth I

• the Countess of Southampton

• none of these

Shakespeare uses a sonnet which, initially at least, points out the flaws of his (supposed) lover. This use of the sonnet is an example of ___.

• hyperbole

• irony

• satire

• litotes

• epitrope

Although more than half of the lines in this sonnet are pure iambic pentameter, there are several lines with interesting variations. Which of these lines features an extra syllable?

• 4

• 5

• 9

• 11

• 14

The words “mine ears” and “tongue’s tune” in line 5 are examples of ___ feet.

• trochaic

• dactylic

• anapestic

• spondaic

• pyrrhic

This poem has sometimes been compared to ___.

• surrendering to a foe in battle

• manipulation of an inferior intellect

• a prisoner trapped in a cage

• a rationalization

• a confession to a clergyman

Which line has a three-syllable word which is treated as a two-syllable word (to preserve regular iambic pentameter)?

• line 5

• line 6

• line 7

• line 8

• line 14

The “unperfect actor” (line 1) is likely one who ___.

• is not skilled as a thespian

• is an “understudy’s” label during the Renaissance

• is not prepared with the learning of his lines

• is overconfident on stage, leading to errors

• hangs around the theatre, hoping to be included in any play

. Which of these lines contains an example of syncope?

• 3

• 4

• 6

• 7

• 8

Line 9 implies that the speaker ___.

• will never be able to express his feelings

• wants to end the relationship

• has written poems that say what he can’t express with speech

• can’t possibly make his feelings clear to his love

• believes his feelings are not being reciprocated by his love

Which lines contain an example of enjambment?

• lines 5 and 6

• lines 7 and 8

• lines 8 and 9

• lines 13 and 14

• none of these