Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Dr. Plummer
Engl 211
Rhetorical Analysis
Sonnets have been regularly seen since they have come into existence in the 13th century.
They consist of 14 lines and exert a consistent structure and rhythm pattern. Although they have
a heavy footprint in early history, they are still frequently used in literature today. In the film 10
Things I Hate About You, the sonnet presents itself as a main point in the plot of the movie as
the main characters are asked to write their own poems for a literature class. The sonnet that the
main character, Katarina Stratford, writes is an accurate example of how a sonnet can be used in
today’s society. Still using the rhetorical devices and structure that makes up a traditional sonnet
The purpose of this poem is to convey a love interest that is complicated to the audience.
Katarina Stratford lists the many things that she hates about her romantic partner, only to
juxtapose her statements in the last few lines that “she does not hate him at all”. She states, “But
mostly I hate the way I don’t hate you…”, (line 15) This strategy conveys that the positive side
of their relationships overshadows the negative. Through this she is connecting to her audience
by relating to anybody who has been through a frustrating experience, but stuck with it because
of overwhelmingly strong feelings. Mixed feelings is an evident theme in this poem which is
The imagery that is used in this sonnet further advances the purpose through vivid
depictions about main character, Katarina Stratfords, significant other, Patrick Verona. Within
every line she describes this boy, (Patrick Verona), and his flaws. This poem uses a variety of
verbs followed by their appropriate nouns to keep a consistent structure. In lines 1-2, “I hate the
way you talk to me, and the way you cut your hair” (Line 1-2), Katarina physically describes the
traits that Patrick Verona possesses which enhances the depictive element of this poem. This
poem is very emotive as she is professing mixed feelings for Patrick, however the poem reaches
the audience through this imagery. When describing the things she hates about Patrick, the
audience reflects upon his traits she is describing and connects them to their own personal
experience.
The expression of this poem is intended to evoke internal emotions that are viewed as
conflicts between two persons. The way that Katarina addresses her hatred over the casual acts
and the overall being of her love interest, Patrick, reflects upon her audience to bring up empathy
on her behalf. The final line of the poem “not even at all”, exerts the relationship to be imperfect
but romantic nonetheless. Because of this epiphany, the poem elicits a bittersweet factor that
establishes relatability to the audience, especially reaching to those who may have experienced a
complicated relationship. The purpose of the poem the author was attempting was successful. It
provides a modern shift to the historical element of the sonnet, and reaches the audience
indubitably. Through the use of imagery, Katarina brings forth a true mental image of her
Works Cited