The sonnet is one of the most well-known forms of poetry. It has been cherished for centuries and continues to be widely studied and admired. Many great poets, including William Shakespeare, John Milton, and Elizabeth Barrett Browning, have used sonnets to express deep emotions, philosophical thoughts, and beautiful imagery. Despite its classical roots, the sonnet remains relevant in modern literature, and many contemporary poets still write in this form.
Sonnets are typically associated with beauty, structure, and precision. While there are many types of poetry, the sonnet stands out because of its specific rules and structure. These rules, though rigid, offer a unique challenge to poets. If you’re new to sonnet writing, understanding these rules can help you craft your own sonnet. But even if you’re already familiar with them, it’s always interesting to revisit the basics and see how they can shape your creativity.
In this article, we’ll explore what makes a sonnet a sonnet. We’ll discuss the rules of structure, rhyme, meter, and theme, as well as some key variations. Whether you’re a budding poet or an experienced one, knowing these rules will help you appreciate sonnet poetry more deeply and give you the tools to compose your own.
What Is a Sonnet?
A sonnet is a poem that has a specific structure and is usually 14 lines long. These lines follow a strict rhyme scheme and meter, which makes the sonnet different from many other forms of poetry. Traditionally, sonnets explore themes of love, beauty, time, and nature, although modern sonnets can cover any subject.
The word “sonnet” itself comes from the Italian word “sonetto,” which means “little song.” This origin reflects the musical and lyrical quality of the sonnet form. Though many sonnets follow similar rules, there are different types of sonnets, each with its own unique characteristics.
The Structure of a Sonnet
The typical sonnet consists of 14 lines, and these lines are divided into sections. Understanding this division is key to mastering the form.
The Number of Lines: 14
As mentioned, a sonnet is always composed of 14 lines. This consistent length is one of the defining features of the form. The lines are typically written in a regular meter, which brings rhythm and flow to the poem.
The Rhyme Scheme
Sonnets have a specific rhyme scheme, which dictates how the lines should rhyme with each other. Different types of sonnets have slightly different rhyme schemes, but here are the most common ones:
Shakespearean Sonnet (English Sonnet): This is perhaps the most famous type of sonnet. It has the following rhyme scheme: ABAB CDCD EFEF GG. The poem is divided into three quatrains (four-line sections) followed by a rhymed couplet (two lines).
Petrarchan Sonnet (Italian Sonnet): This type of sonnet is divided into two sections: an eight-line octave and a six-line sestet. The rhyme scheme for the octave is usually ABBAABBA, and the sestet can vary, commonly using CDECDE or CDCDCD.
Spenserian Sonnet: This variation combines elements of the Shakespearean and Petrarchan sonnets. Its rhyme scheme is ABAB BCBC CDCD EE.
Each rhyme scheme helps create a certain flow and rhythm in the poem. The way the rhymes work together can influence the mood and tone of the poem. The conclusion of a sonnet is often found in the final two lines (the couplet), which can serve as a resolution, commentary, or twist on the earlier themes.
Meter: Iambic Pentameter
Meter refers to the pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables in each line. For most traditional sonnets, the meter is iambic pentameter. This means each line consists of ten syllables, arranged in five pairs (called “feet”). Each pair has the pattern of an unstressed syllable followed by a stressed one, like this: da-DUM da-DUM da-DUM da-DUM da-DUM.
Here’s an example of iambic pentameter:
Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day? (Shakespeare, Sonnet 18)
Notice how the syllables alternate between unstressed and stressed, creating a smooth, rhythmic flow. Mastering iambic pentameter is an important step in writing a sonnet, as it gives the poem its characteristic rhythm.
The Volta: The Poetic Turn
The “volta” is a term used to describe the shift or turn in a sonnet’s argument or theme. In many sonnets, the volta occurs after the eighth line (in a Petrarchan sonnet) or at the beginning of the final couplet (in a Shakespearean sonnet). This shift often marks a change in perspective or tone, moving from problem to resolution, conflict to insight, or question to answer.
For example, in Shakespeare’s Sonnet 18, the volta happens in the final two lines, where the speaker moves from describing the fleeting beauty of a summer’s day to declaring that the beauty of the poem itself will immortalize the subject.
Understanding the volta is crucial because it helps shape the structure of the poem and directs how the poem resolves or concludes.
Types of Sonnets
While the general structure of a sonnet remains consistent, there are several variations, each with its own set of rules. The three most common types are:
Shakespearean (English) Sonnet
This is the most popular form of sonnet, especially in English literature. As mentioned, it has the rhyme scheme ABAB CDCD EFEF GG. The poem consists of three quatrains, followed by a rhymed couplet. Shakespeare used this form to explore themes of love, beauty, and time. The Shakespearean sonnet’s ability to express both narrative and philosophical themes in a compact form has made it a favorite among poets and readers alike.
Petrarchan (Italian) Sonnet
This form is named after the Italian poet Petrarch. It is divided into two parts: the octave and the sestet. The octave has the rhyme scheme ABBAABBA, and the sestet usually follows CDECDE or CDCDCD. The volta in a Petrarchan sonnet typically appears at the ninth line, where the poem shifts from presenting a problem or question to offering a resolution or answer.
Spenserian Sonnet
This form is a variation of the Shakespearean sonnet, introduced by Edmund Spenser. The rhyme scheme is ABAB BCBC CDCD EE, and it links the quatrains more closely through the shared rhymes. Spenser’s use of this sonnet type was influenced by his desire to create a more flowing, interconnected structure.
Each type of sonnet has its own unique charm, and poets often choose the type that best suits their subject matter and tone.
Themes in Sonnets
The themes of sonnets vary, but traditionally, sonnets explore ideas of love, beauty, time, mortality, and nature. These timeless themes allow the sonnet to remain a versatile form, adaptable to many different subjects. However, in contemporary sonnets, poets often experiment with new themes or take on personal, political, or philosophical issues.
Love and Beauty
Love has been the central theme of sonnets for centuries. Many famous sonneteers, such as Shakespeare and Petrarch, wrote sonnets about their romantic feelings for someone. These poems explore the beauty of the lover and the speaker’s intense emotions, both positive and negative. The theme of love in a sonnet can express longing, admiration, jealousy, or even heartbreak.
Time and Mortality
Time is another major theme in sonnets. Many poets use the sonnet form to reflect on the passing of time and the inevitability of death. Sonnets on this theme often meditate on the fleeting nature of life and the desire to preserve beauty or love in the face of time’s destruction.
Nature and the Seasons
Sonnets can also explore the natural world. The changing seasons, landscapes, and human connection to nature are common subjects. These poems often reflect on the beauty of the earth and its cycles, providing a sense of comfort and continuity.
Philosophy and Self-Reflection
Sonnets often carry deeper philosophical messages, contemplating topics like the nature of the soul, the meaning of existence, or human identity. This type of sonnet may be more introspective, using the tight structure to bring focus to the speaker’s thoughts.
How to Write Your Own Sonnet
Now that you understand the rules and structure of a sonnet, you may be ready to try writing one yourself. Here’s a simple guide to get started:
Choose a Topic
Start by selecting a subject that interests you. It could be love, nature, time, or even a personal experience. Think about the emotions you want to express or the ideas you want to explore.
Pick Your Sonnet Type
Decide which type of sonnet you want to write. The Shakespearean sonnet might be easier for beginners, but the Petrarchan or Spenserian sonnets can offer a different challenge. Choose one that fits your theme.
Plan Your Rhyme Scheme
Before you start writing, think about the rhyme scheme. This will help you structure your poem. For example, if you are writing a Shakespearean sonnet, you’ll need to follow the ABAB CDCD EFEF GG pattern.
Use Iambic Pentameter
Remember that most sonnets are written in iambic pentameter. This rhythmic pattern will give your poem a musical flow. You can practice by writing a few lines with the correct meter.
Write Your Poem
Begin writing your sonnet, paying attention to the rhyme and meter. As you go along, think about the volta, where the shift in the poem will occur. Make sure that your poem resolves or reflects on the theme in the final lines.
Revise and Edit
Once you’ve written your sonnet, take the time to revise it. Check the rhythm, rhyme, and structure. Make sure the lines flow smoothly and the volta makes sense.
Conclusion
Sonnets are a beautiful and timeless form of poetry. With their strict rules and structure, they provide a unique way for poets to express complex emotions and ideas in just 14 lines. By understanding the rules of sonnet writing – from meter and rhyme to themes and structure – you can craft your own sonnets that explore the world in a way only poetry can.
Whether you’re writing a Shakespearean sonnet on love or a Petrarchan sonnet on time, the key is to embrace the form’s rules while allowing your creativity to flow. Happy writing!
