Assignment: Structure and Style in Venus & Adonis, Part I
Assigned Lines: 1-24, 95-96, 97-114
1. What is the rhetorical situation of the poem (i.e, what is the occasion—location, setting, social context--where rhetoric is used?) as set up by the first stanza?
2. Next, characterize Venus’ 1st appeals to Adonis in these groups of lines in a couple of sentences. Then pick out at least 3 words that offer the reader this impression (indicate the line #).
Group 2:
Assigned Lines: 25-54, 89-90
1. Decide what physical actions are taking place and rephrase them in one or two sentences for each stanza.
2. Choose 5 words that Shakespeare uses that best illustrate the action (indicate the line #).
Group 3:
Assigned Lines: 55-90
1. Look at each metaphor or simile that Shakespeare uses to depict Venus and Adonis (you should divide up the labor here, so you can work more quickly). Write a sentence or 2 about each one.
2. Then, write a sentence or 2 that characterize the two lovers based on all the similes (how do they add up to construct the lover and beloved?)
Group 4:
Assigned Lines: 115-120, 121-126, 127-131, 132-44
1. Characterize Venus’ appeals to Adonis in each stanza in a couple of sentences.
2. Then pick out at least 3 words that offer the reader this impression (indicate the line #).
Group 5:
Assigned Lines:145-175 181-5
1. Characterize Venus’ appeals to Adonis in each stanza in a couple of sentences, as well as Adonis’ response to these appeals.
2. Then pick out at least 3 key words or phrases that offer the reader this impression (indicate the line #).
Assigned Lines: 257-324
1.Describe the action that takes place in these stanzas in a few sentences.
2.How do you suppose these actions fit in with the rest of the poem with respect to its plot and its meaning?