The Great Sonnet Writing Challenge

(We’re talking BONUS POINTS, folks!)

The Muse of Poetry has spoken and revealed these rules:

Ø All submissions must be in my hands no later than March 3, 2006.

Ø All submissions must conform to either Petrachan or Shakespearean sonnet structure guidelines (rhyme scheme, rhythm pattern).

Ø All submissions must conform to either Petrachan or Shakespearean sonnet alignment of content guidelines:

Petrachan—premise > conclusion (logical division at the beginning of the ninth line).

Shakespearean--three images (one per quatrain) > concluding couplet).

Please refer to Sonnets Made Easy for more detailed information.

Ø All submissions must be original.

Ø All submissions must demonstrate EXTENSIVE editing and revision. Please submit drafts that demonstrate your sonnet’s creation and evolution.

Ø Maximum two sonnet submissions per student.

Ø Submitters agree that their sonnets can be read, posted on the web, and/or photocopied and distributed in class. (Submitter’s name is optional.)

Ø An entry can receive up to five bonus points.

Ø These are pure, golden BONUS points, not discretionary points. They do NOT become part of the course points-possible total, but they WILL be added to your total course points.

Ø All point awards are at the discretion of the instructor and are final.