An Appreciation of Sonnet XXIX Through Emojis

Here, I’ve used emojis in a video format to break down each line of Sonnet XXIX. This exercise helped me gain a better understanding of the poem whenever I attempted to choose an emoji that best fit the authorial intent of each sentence. It was interesting to try to shape such an old literary work using technology I use daily to communicate with my peers. In my opinion, hearing the sonnet structured alongside the emojis helps the reader to understand the meanings behind the words.

Sonnet XXIX

When, in disgrace with fortune and men’s eyes,
I all alone beweep my outcast state,
And trouble deaf heaven with my bootless cries,
And look upon myself and curse my fate,
Wishing me like to one more rich in hope,
Featured like him, like him with friends possessed,
Desiring this man’s art and that man’s scope,
With what I most enjoy contented least;
Yet in these thoughts myself almost despising,
Haply I think on thee, and then my state,
Like to the lark at break of day arising
From sullen earth sings hymns at heaven’s gate;
       For thy sweet love remembered such wealth brings
       That then I scorn to change my state with kings.

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1gXyKy-3mjkfXDfS-EFXs8hqPdxSGgm0z