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Close Reading of shakespeare (continued)
aCademiC VoCabulaRy
sonnet: A poem composed of 14 lines, three quatrains that consist of four lines that rhyme in an alternating pattern, and two final lines that rhyme with each other
ACTIvITy 3
Independent Practice
The text that follows is a sonnet, a kind of poem, written by William Shakespeare. His sonnets His sonnets had no title, so this one is simply known as Sonnet 60.
First Reading: First Impressions
Read the passage silently to yourself. As you read, think about the meanings of the underlined words. Look at the definitions in the left margin, and also use your knowledge of the words and context clues to help you make meaning of the text.
Sonnet 60
by William Shakespeare
Like as the waves make towards the pebbled shore, So do our minutes hasten to their end,
Each changing place with that which goes before, In sequent toil all forwards do contend.
5 Nativity, once in the main of light,
Crawls to maturity, wherewith being crown’d, Crooked elipses ’gainst his glory fight,
And Time that gave doth now his gift confound. Time doth transfix the flourish set on youth
10 And delves the parallels in beauty’s brow, Feeds on the rarities of nature’s truth,
And nothing stands but for his scythe to mow: And yet to times in hope my verse shall stand, Praising thy worth, despite his cruel hand.
toil: hard work or battle contend: compete or race nativity: birth
elipse (ellipse): a curved line (in this case, like the path of setting sun) confound: to bring to ruin tansfix: to pierce, as with a sword delve: to dig or plow
scythe: a long pole with a curved blade at the end, used to cut crops
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SpringBoard® English Language Arts Grade 6
poem
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