Sonnets have been around for a long time, and people still love them today. They're a kind of poem that's been a big part of writing for hundreds of years.
Did you know?
Over 50% of Shakespeare's most famous sonnets explore themes of love and beauty, showcasing the timeless appeal of these universal themes.
A sonnet is called a poem with 14 lines.
In this blog post, you'll learn:
- Definition of sonnet
- How to write a sonnet
Let’s get started!
Sonnet definition
The word sonnet comes from the Italian word sonetto, which is derived from “suono”, meaning “a sound”.
A sonnet is a 14 line poem with a strict structure and rhyme scheme. Traditionally, it's divided into an octave (8 lines) and a sestet (6 lines).
Sonnets follow specific rhyme patterns, creating a sense of order and musicality. They often explore themes of love, beauty, mortality, and complex emotions.
How to write a sonnet?
Now that you're familiar with the basics, let's explore the steps involved in crafting your sonnet:
1. Choosing your theme carefully
Sonnets often explore universal themes that resonate deeply with human experiences. The themes allow the poet to discuss profound aspects of life and human emotions.
Here are some examples of common themes:
Love
This is a very popular theme in sonnets, where the poet expresses their love for someone or explores the complexities of love.
- Example: "Sonnet 18" by William Shakespeare, which compares the beloved to a summer day and declares the eternal nature of their love.
Loss
Sonnets can also deal with grief, mourning, or the loss of something important.
- Example: "How Do I Love Thee?" by Elizabeth Barrett Browning, which speaks of the speaker's deep and multifaceted love for their husband.
War
Sonnets can explore the themes of war, its costs, and its impact on people's lives.
- Example: " Dulce et Decorum est" by Wilfred Owen, a powerful sonnet against the glorification of war.
Beauty
The beauty of nature or a person can be a central theme in sonnets.
- Example: "I Wander Lonely as a Cloud" by William Wordsworth, where the speaker finds solace and beauty in nature.
Many sonnets present a problem or a question in the first part of the poem and then provide an answer or resolution towards the end.
This structure helps in creating a narrative arc within the poem, adding depth and meaning to the poetic expression.
Here's an example to illustrate how a sonnet can present a problem and then offer a resolution:
- Example: “Sonnet 23” by Elizabeth Barrett Browning, the first eight lines (octave) present the question of how the speaker's love can be expressed. And the last six lines (sestet) offer the resolution.
2. Choose the type of sonnet you want to write
There are two main types of sonnets:
- a) Shakespearean (English Sonnet)
This is the most famous type. It has 14 lines divided into three quatrains (four-line stanzas) and a final couplet (two lines).
The rhyme scheme is ABAB CDCD EFEF GG. This structure allows for a problem to be explored in the quatrains and resolved in the final couplet.
- Example: Shakespeare's "Sonnet 116" perfectly exemplifies this structure.
- b) Petrarchan (Italian Sonnet)
This sonnet is divided into an octave (8 lines) and a sestet (6 lines).
The first eight lines present a problem or situation, and the last six lines offer a resolution or commentary.
The rhyme scheme for the octave is typically ABBAABBA, and the sestet can vary but commonly follows CDECDE or CDCDCD.
- Example: John Milton's "When I Consider How My Light is Spent" is a Petrarchan sonnet.
2. Write in iambic pentameter
Iambic pentameter is a specific rhythmic pattern used in poetry, particularly notable in Shakespeare's poems.
It consists of lines with ten syllables, where the rhythm alternates between unstressed and stressed syllables.
Essentially, each line has five pairs of syllables (called "iambs"), where the first syllable is soft or light, and the second syllable is emphasized or heavier.
- Iamb
This is a two-syllable unit or "foot," where the first syllable is unstressed, and the second is stressed.
For example, in the word "allow," the emphasis naturally falls on the second syllable: al-LOW.
- Pentameter
The term comes from "penta," meaning five, and "meter," which refers to a rhythmic structure. Hence, pentameter means a line of verse containing five metrical feet, in this case, iambs.
Example: Consider Percy Bysshe Shelley’s line "If Winter comes, can Spring be far behind?"
- Stressed syllables: Win-, comes, Spring, far, -hind.
- Each pair (If Win-/ter comes) represents one iamb, and there are five such pairs in the line.
While the standard form of iambic pentameter has ten syllables, poets sometimes add an extra, unstressed syllable at the end, resulting in a line with eleven syllables.
This is called a feminine ending and adds variety and fluidity to the poem.
Example: Shakespeare “Yet in these thoughts my self almost despising,”
- Stressed syllables: In, thoughts, self, -most, -pis-.
- The line ends with an unstressed syllable "-ing," creating a more natural, conversational flow.
One of the reasons iambic pentameter is so effective and popular, particularly in English poetry, is that it closely mirrors the rhythm of everyday English speech.
This makes it relatively easy to write and pleasing to the ear, as it feels familiar and natural.
Try our interactive sonnet generator! Input your theme, and let our tool help you structure your sonnet with the perfect rhyme scheme and iambic pentameter.
3. Develop the stanza thoughtfully
When writing a sonnet, each stanza (or group of lines) should build on the central theme or problem. Think of each quatrain (four-line stanza) as a small paragraph that explores a part of the main idea.
These quatrains should lead up to the final couplet (two-line stanza), where there is often a turn, or "volta," that offers a new perspective or solution.
Structuring the Quatrains
- The first quatrain introduces the main idea or issue. Use clear images or comparisons to set up the poem's focus.
- Example
In Shakespeare's "Sonnet 30," the first quatrain talks about thinking of past regrets and losses, using legal words like "sessions" and "summons" to show how serious these memories feel.
- The second quatrain builds on the first one. It often starts with a word like "Then" to show a connection. Here, you add more details to the theme.
- Example
In "Sonnet 30," the second quatrain starts with "Then" and talks about feeling sad and crying over lost friends, using business terms like "cancelled woe" and "expenses" to describe these emotions.
- The third quatrain goes deeper into the idea. It often starts with another connecting word. This quatrain adds more layers to the theme.
- Example
In the third quatrain of "Sonnet 30," another "Then" shows the poet crying even more, as if mourning for the first time, using terms like "accounts" and "payment" to describe the heavy grief.
- The final couplet brings a change in tone or perspective, often starting with "But." This volta gives a new insight, solution, or twist, wrapping up the poem.
- Example
In "Sonnet 30," the couplet starts with "But," showing a shift from sadness to a positive memory of a loved one, which makes the poet feel better about the losses. The use of business terms like "losses" ties the ending back to the earlier stanzas.
Each stanza should add to the main idea. The flow from one quatrain to the next should feel natural, making the reader understand the theme better.
Using consistent images and words throughout the quatrains and the couplet helps unify the poem.
Smooth transitions between stanzas are important. Words like "Then" and "But" help guide the reader through the poem's development.
4. Follow the rhyme scheme carefully
When writing a sonnet, following the rhyme scheme is crucial.
The rhyme scheme determines the pattern of sounds at the end of each line, giving the sonnet its musical quality and structural coherence.
There are two main types of sonnets, each with its own rhyme scheme:
the Shakespearean (or English) sonnet and the Petrarchan (or Italian) sonnet.
- The Shakespearean sonnet consists of 14 lines divided into three quatrains (four-line stanzas) and a final couplet (two-line stanza).
E.g: Consider Shakespeare's "Sonnet 18"
- The Petrarchan sonnet also consists of 14 lines but is divided into an octave (eight-line stanza) and a sestet (six-line stanza).
E.g: Consider Elizabeth Barrett Browning's "Sonnet 43"
Following a rhyme scheme in a sonnet is important for a few reasons.
- It gives the sonnet a rhythm and musical feel that makes it more enjoyable and engaging to read.
- Sticking to a specific rhyme scheme keeps the poem well-organized, making it clear that it's a sonnet.
- Following a rhyme scheme requires the poet to be creative within set rules, leading to better word choices and a higher quality poem overall.
To follow a rhyme scheme well, start by planning ahead.
Outline the rhyme pattern before you start writing to make sure each line fits.
Using a rhyming dictionary can help you find words that match the rhyme scheme.
Lastly, practice is very important.
Writing sonnets often will make you more comfortable with rhyme schemes, improve your poetic skills, and make the process feel easier.
Final Words
To finish up our discussion on writing sonnets, Let's think about,why are sonnets still so popular? And what's so fun about writing them? Let's find out!
As we've seen, there are different types of sonnets, each with their own unique structure and appeal. Throughout this guide, we've explored various sonnet examples to illustrate these forms and techniques.
Have you thought about writing your own sonnet?
Give it a try! Start by picking a theme you care about, then follow the rhythm of iambic pentameter and use the rhyme schemes we've discussed.
Use the 14-line structure to express your ideas and feelings. Writing a sonnet can be a rewarding challenge, so let your creativity flow and see what you can create.
Other Interesting Guides:
- How to Write a Haiku: Structure, Rules, and Examples
- 9 Steps for Writing Effective Free Verse Poems
- How to write a villanelle poem in 7 steps
- Rules of Writing an Elegy Poem
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the 3 requirements for a sonnet?
A sonnet demands 14 lines, a specific structure, and a rhyming pattern.
How to start writing a sonnet?
Choose the theme, think of the sonnet structure, write in iambic pentameter and make your own sonnet.
Are sonnets only 14 lines?
Yes, sonnets are always 14 lines long. They may have different rhyme schemes depending on the type of sonnet.