I read Shakespeare's sonnet 29, and I must write a 5 paragraph essay on the theme. I need a few guidance tips and ideas on what to write. Thanks in advance!
So, There are multiple themes in this poem but I chose the theme(my main discussion) 'wealth',and I hope to somehow tie it in and interrelate it with another prominent theme, 'envy'. I do not understand how I can write a long essay with such a short poem without the guilt of analyzing or summarizing the poem.I wrote a small chunk of the intro;" As exemplified throughout Shakespeare's Sonnet 29, the lack of wealth as emanated by the writer as degrading, terrifying, and outlandish. Wealth is referred to not only literally, buy also in context with abundance. The eventual alteration in light/sight/emotion(not sure which is most effective yet) lightens the self-derogatory motifs, and a transition of emotions are caused by the thought of his lover. This rejuvenating instance compensates for the previous lamented misfortunes."
I am now stuck on how to continue. I sound like I know what I am doing, but I really don't have the vaguest idea on how to procede and how I should discuss the theme of wealth, and prove that it is the theme- I think the purpose of this essay.
Sonnet 29
When, in disgrace with fortune and men's eyes,
I all alone beweep my outcast state,
And trouble deaf heaven with my bootless cries,
And look upon myself, and curse my fate,
Wishing me like to one more rich in hope,
Featur'd like him, like him with friends possess'd,
Desiring this man's art and that man's scope,
With what I most enjoy contented least;
Yet in these thoughts myself almost despising,
Haply I think on thee, and then my state,
Like to the lark at break of day arising
From sullen earth, sings hymns at heaven's gate;
For thy sweet love remember'd such wealth brings
That then I scorn to change my state with kings
An outline for your paragraphs:
1. Introduction, w/ thesis statement at the end
2. State and explain stanzas 1 and 2
3. State and explain stanza 3, including that the ninth line is where Shakespeare customarily starts turning the speaker's thinking around
4. State and explain stanza 4
5. Conclusion
DO NOT start writing your intro until you have written your thesis statement (ONE sentence stating your main idea) and the second, third, and fourth paragraphs.
For help with thesis statements, go here:
http://leo.stcloudstate.edu/acadwrite/thesistatement.html
What is my main idea though? I am really stuck on that. I know I am supposed to prove that 'wealth' is the theme, but how do I put an opinion with that?
Does my supposed thesis (what I wrote above) work as a thesis statement? "As exemplified throughout Shakespeare's Sonnet 29, the lack of wealth as emanated by the writer as degrading, terrifying, and outlandish. Wealth is referred to not only literally, buy also in context with abundance. The eventual alteration in light/sight/emotion(not sure which is most effective yet) lightens the self-derogatory motifs, and a transition of emotions are caused by the thought of his lover. This rejuvenating instance compensates for the previous lamented misfortunes."
To write a 5 paragraph essay on the theme of wealth in Shakespeare's Sonnet 29 and interrelate it with the theme of envy, you can follow these steps:
1. Introduction:
In your introduction, you have already started with a strong opening by discussing how the lack of wealth is depicted as degrading, terrifying, and outlandish in the poem. To continue, you can briefly mention how the theme of wealth intertwines with the theme of envy, as the speaker desires the possessions and abilities of others. Also, state that your essay will further explore the significance of wealth as a central theme in the sonnet.
2. Body paragraph 1:
Focus on analyzing specific lines and phrases from the poem that highlight the speaker's desire for wealth. Explore how the speaker compares himself to others who are more fortunate and how this intensifies his feelings of discontentment. Highlight the impact of the speaker's longing for material wealth on his mental state.
3. Body paragraph 2:
In this paragraph, delve into the concept of envy and how it relates to the theme of wealth in the sonnet. Explore how the speaker's envy of others' possessions and abilities contributes to his overall feeling of disgrace and self-loathing. Discuss how envy can be seen as a destructive emotion, highlighting the negative effects it has on the speaker's perception of himself and his circumstances.
4. Body paragraph 3:
Now, transition to discussing the transformative power of love in the sonnet. Analyze the lines where the speaker's thoughts turn to his lover and how this shifts his perspective on wealth and his own state. Explore how the presence of love brings a sense of contentment and joy, allowing the speaker to escape his feelings of disgrace and envy. Discuss the contrast between material wealth and the wealth of love.
5. Conclusion:
In your conclusion, summarize the main points you have discussed in the body paragraphs, emphasizing the significance of wealth and envy as interconnected themes in the sonnet. Reinforce the idea that the transformative power of love serves as a remedy for the speaker's feelings of inadequacy and desire for wealth. Your opinion and interpretation of the poem can be briefly mentioned in this section to provide a personal touch.
Remember, as you write the body paragraphs, include specific evidence from the sonnet to support your analysis. Use quotes from the text to back up your statements and be sure to provide your own interpretations and analysis of the poem as well.