My teacher gave us a sonnet and he said that we have to do an oral presentation that faithfully interprets the meaning of the poem. Do you have any ideas on how to make an oral presentation describing a poem. Should I explain line by line or just put the sonnet in my own words? please help!

I'd take it in sections and and put it all into your own words.

http://www.google.com/search?rlz=1C1GGGE_enUS379US379&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8&q=sonnet+structure

Which sonnet were you given?

okay thanks! Its called "Not Marble, Nor the Gilded Monuments" by Shakespeare

OK, be sure to read about English (Shakespearean) sonnet in the Wikipedia link. You'll see that this is the rhyme scheme:

a
b
a
b
c
d
c
d
e
f
e
f
g
g

To present it to your class, I'd take it by sections indicated by the rhyme scheme:
1st - lines 1-4
2nd - lines 5-8
3rd - lines 9-12
4th - lines 13-14

The rhyme scheme indicates how the poet organized his thoughts.

ohh I see thank you for your help :)

You're very welcome. =)

When creating an oral presentation to faithfully interpret the meaning of a poem, there are a few different approaches you can take. Here are some ideas to help you get started:

1. Read and analyze the sonnet: Begin by carefully reading and understanding the sonnet's content, structure, and literary devices used. Pay attention to the tone, imagery, metaphors, and any other significant elements that contribute to its overall meaning.

2. Identify the central theme: Determine the main idea or message conveyed by the sonnet. This could be a reflection on love, nature, mortality, or any other subject. Understanding the central theme will guide your interpretation and presentation.

3. Summarize the sonnet: Start your oral presentation by briefly summarizing the sonnet in your own words. This will give your audience a general understanding of the poem before you delve into deeper analysis.

4. Highlight notable lines or phrases: Choose specific lines or phrases from the sonnet that you find particularly powerful, and explain why they stood out to you. Analyze their meaning, figurative language, and how they contribute to the overall message of the sonnet.

5. Interpret the structure and form: Consider the sonnet's structure, including the number of lines, rhyme scheme, and any shifts or patterns. Explain how these structural choices enhance or reinforce the themes or emotions expressed in the poem.

6. Discuss the poet's background and historical context: Research the poet's life and the historical context in which the sonnet was written. Understanding the poet's experiences, beliefs, or the societal influences of the time can provide valuable insights into the meaning of the poem.

7. Offer your personal response: Share your own emotional response to the sonnet and explain why you connected with it. This helps to personalize your presentation and create a deeper connection with your audience.

8. Use visual aids or multimedia: To enhance your presentation, consider using visual aids like PowerPoint slides, images, or audio recordings. These can help illustrate your interpretation and engage your audience more effectively.

Remember, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to interpreting a poem. You can choose to explain the sonnet line by line or focus on key themes and ideas, as long as you provide a comprehensive analysis that accurately reflects the poem's meaning.