Sonnet
A sonnet is basically a 14-line poem with a strict rhyme pattern. Usually, each line is written in
iambic pentameter (ten syllables alternating between unstressed and stressed). It is often
about love, but not always. It also usually includes some kind of “turn” or twist in topic. In
other words, it compares two things, usually focusing the first eight lines on the first topic, then
“turning” or “twisting” the topic slightly on the ninth line. It often also uses nature imagery to
convey its message.
When writing your own sonnet, consider the following in order of importance:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Fourteen lines
Strict rhyme scheme
Ten syllables per line
Topic
Imagery
Turn/Twist midway through
I expect you to fulfill at least the first four items in your own sonnet.
There are several types of sonnets, but we will discuss three primary ones. Each one follows a
particular rhyme scheme.
Shakespearian/English
Spenserian
Petrarchan/Italian
abab
abab
abbaabba or abbaacca
cdcd
bcbc
cdecde/cdcdcd/etc.
efef
cdcd
gg
ee
The Shakespearian and Spenserian sonnets are arranged as three quatrains (four-line sections)
and a couplet (two rhyming lines). Sometimes they are actually visually separated into stanzas.
The Petrarchan sonnet is arranged as an octave (eight lines) and a sestet (six lines), again
sometimes visually arranged into stanzas.