Introduction to Sonnet 18

This page presents the full text of Shakespeare's Sonnet 18, one of the most famous and beloved sonnets in the English language. The sonnet begins with the iconic line "Shall I compare thee to a summer's day?" and proceeds to praise the subject's beauty as superior to nature itself.

Quote: "Shall I compare thee to a summer's day? / Thou art more lovely and more temperate"

The sonnet is displayed in its entirety, allowing students to read and absorb Shakespeare's original language. A link to a video recitation is also provided, offering an auditory component to enhance understanding and appreciation of the poem's rhythm and meter.

Highlight: Sonnet 18 is a prime example of Shakespeare's mastery of the sonnet form and his ability to craft enduring expressions of love and beauty.

Annotations and Paraphrasing

This page provides annotations for some of the more challenging words and phrases in Sonnet 18, along with a modern paraphrase of the entire poem. This helps students bridge the gap between Shakespeare's Early Modern English and contemporary language.

Key annotations include: • "thee" = you (object) • "thou art" = you are • "hath" = has

The paraphrase offers a line-by-line translation of the sonnet into modern English, making its meaning more accessible to students. For example:

Example: Original: "Shall I compare thee to a summer's day?" Paraphrase: "Shall I compare you to a day in summer?"

Example: Original: "Thou art more lovely and more temperate" Paraphrase: "You are lovelier than a day in summer and your mood changes less often"

This detailed paraphrase helps students understand the sonnet's content while appreciating Shakespeare's poetic language.

Highlight: The annotations and paraphrase provide essential support for students conducting a Shakespeare sonnet analysis, particularly for those new to Early Modern English.