Why is my verse so barren of new pride…
The challenge to be constantly inventive worries the poet in this sonnet. One would have to doubt, given Shakespeare’s productivity and originality, if this was a real concern but such is the sentiment being expressed here. Students would be hard pressed to generate one sonnet but they can explore how Shakespeare utilized the form, meter, imagery and poetic conceit to achieve his goal of originality. The workbook’s practical activities and the reading on t