Sonnets are among the most revered forms of poetry, cherished for their structure, rhythm, and deep emotional resonance. With their strict rules and rich history, sonnets present a unique challenge to writers, while offering a rewarding experience for both creator and reader. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced poet, understanding how to craft a sonnet will enrich your poetic toolbox.
In this article, we will explore everything you need to know about creating a sonnet: its history, structure, themes, variations, and techniques. By the end, you will have the knowledge necessary to compose a sonnet that honors its tradition while allowing room for your personal voice to shine.
What is a Sonnet?
A sonnet is a poem that consists of 14 lines, traditionally written in iambic pentameter, with a specific rhyme scheme and a thematic structure. The form has been used for centuries by poets to explore a range of topics, from love and beauty to loss and political themes. The word “sonnet” comes from the Italian word “sonetto,” meaning “little song,” which reflects its melodic quality.
The sonnet’s most famous practitioners include William Shakespeare, Petrarch, and John Milton. Over the centuries, the form has evolved, but the core elements remain the same.
The Basic Structure of a Sonnet
Understanding the structure is crucial to writing a sonnet. While there are various types of sonnets, most share common elements. The standard sonnet consists of 14 lines, usually divided into two main parts:
The Octave (the first eight lines)
The Sestet (the last six lines)
The division between the two parts often corresponds to a shift in thought or perspective.
Rhyme Scheme and Meter
Rhyme Scheme
The rhyme scheme refers to the pattern of rhymes at the end of each line. For a traditional Shakespearean sonnet, the rhyme scheme follows this pattern:
ABAB CDCD EFEF GG
The Italian (or Petrarchan) sonnet, on the other hand, follows a different structure:
ABBA ABBA for the octave, and
CDE CDE or CDC CDC for the sestet.
Meter
Most sonnets are written in iambic pentameter, a type of meter consisting of five “feet” (pairs of syllables), where the first syllable is unstressed, and the second is stressed. For example, in the line:
“Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day?”
The pattern is: da-DUM da-DUM da-DUM da-DUM da-DUM.
This rhythmic pattern helps give the sonnet its melodic flow and makes it more musical and engaging.
Types of Sonnets
While the traditional sonnet forms—Shakespearean and Petrarchan—are the most commonly known, there are a few other variations that have been explored by poets over time. Let’s explore the most famous ones:
Shakespearean (English) Sonnet
The Shakespearean sonnet consists of three quatrains (four-line stanzas) and a final rhymed couplet. The rhyme scheme is:
ABAB CDCD EFEF GG
This form is very flexible, allowing poets to explore multiple ideas in the quatrains and resolve or summarize their message in the concluding couplet.
Petrarchan (Italian) Sonnet
The Petrarchan sonnet divides the poem into two parts: the octave and the sestet. The rhyme scheme for the octave is usually:
ABBA ABBA
The sestet may have a few variations but often follows either CDE CDE or CDC CDC. The main distinction of the Petrarchan sonnet is the volta (Italian for “turn”), which signifies a shift in the argument or mood, typically occurring between the octave and the sestet.
Spenserian Sonnet
The Spenserian sonnet, developed by Edmund Spenser, is a variant of the Shakespearean sonnet with a slight modification in its rhyme scheme:
ABAB BCBC CDCD EE
Like the Shakespearean sonnet, it consists of three quatrains and a couplet, but the rhyme is interwoven between the stanzas. This form creates a more unified feel across the poem.
Miltonic Sonnet
John Milton, a prominent English poet, wrote sonnets that followed a similar structure to the Petrarchan form but used more freedom in both language and meter. Milton’s sonnets often explored deep philosophical, political, and personal themes.
Modern Variations
Contemporary poets may experiment with the sonnet form, breaking free from the strict conventions of meter and rhyme. Some poets may choose free verse sonnets, writing 14 lines without a set rhyme scheme or meter. While this deviates from tradition, it still retains the 14-line structure and thematic unity of the sonnet.
Writing a Sonnet: Step-by-Step
Now that you understand the structure and types of sonnets, let’s break down the process of writing one. Follow these steps to create your own.
Choose Your Theme
The first step in writing a sonnet is deciding what you want to write about. Traditional sonnets often explored themes of love, beauty, and nature, but modern sonnets can cover virtually any topic. You could write about personal experiences, social issues, or philosophical reflections.
Love and Romance – Perhaps the most traditional subject of a sonnet, love offers endless inspiration. Explore emotions of desire, heartbreak, or adoration.
Nature and the Passage of Time – The natural world often serves as a metaphor for human experience, making it a popular theme for sonnet writers.
Philosophy and Life’s Meaning – Explore deeper questions of existence, purpose, or morality. This type of theme invites reflection and introspection.
Political and Social Themes – Some sonnets focus on social justice, inequality, or political commentary, using the strict form to highlight the seriousness of the issues.
Develop the Core Idea or Argument
Once you have a theme, think about the message or idea you want to convey. Sonnets often follow a particular argument or progression:
Introduction (Octave) – The first eight lines set the stage, often presenting a problem, question, or theme.
Turn (Volta) – The volta marks a shift in direction. It could introduce a solution, a counterargument, or a new perspective.
Conclusion (Sestet or Couplet) – The final lines typically resolve the issue presented earlier or offer a deep reflection on the idea.
As you plan, ask yourself: How can I introduce a compelling conflict or contrast? How will I resolve or reflect on this conflict by the end?
Create the First Draft
Begin by writing your first draft in iambic pentameter. Don’t worry about getting it perfect right away—focus on the flow of ideas and emotions.
Write with your theme in mind and create lines that explore it deeply.
Try to maintain the rhythmic structure, but feel free to modify it slightly to suit your personal style.
Use enjambment (continuing a sentence beyond a line break) to create flow and energy.
Refine Your Rhyme Scheme
Make sure your lines follow the proper rhyme scheme for your chosen sonnet form. Play with different words that match the desired rhyme while preserving the meaning and tone.
Experiment with near rhymes (slant rhymes) if you’re seeking a more contemporary feel. While these may not be “perfect” rhymes, they still provide a satisfying auditory experience.
Edit and Polish
Once your sonnet is written, it’s time to edit. Check the following:
Meter: Ensure the poem adheres to iambic pentameter or your chosen meter. If it doesn’t, revise the lines to smooth out the rhythm.
Rhyme: Ensure that all rhymes fit the chosen scheme.
Language: Review your word choice. Does every word contribute to the meaning or emotional impact? Avoid redundancy and choose words with precision.
Theme and Tone: Does the sonnet express the theme clearly and consistently? Does the tone align with the subject matter?
Common Techniques Used in Sonnets
Sonnets are famous for their use of various literary devices and techniques. These devices help enhance the emotional depth and aesthetic quality of the poem. Here are some techniques to consider when writing a sonnet:
Metaphor and Simile: Comparing two unrelated things to evoke deeper meanings. For example, “Love is a rose,” or “The sun is like a golden coin.”
Personification: Giving human qualities to non-human things, such as “The wind whispered its secrets.”
Alliteration and Assonance: The repetition of consonant sounds (alliteration) or vowel sounds (assonance) within a line or sentence.
Volta: The turn in the sonnet’s argument, often found between the eighth and ninth lines (for Petrarchan sonnets).
Imagery: Creating vivid pictures through descriptive language, appealing to the senses.
Conclusion
Writing a sonnet is both an art and a craft. The strict rules of meter, rhyme, and structure challenge the writer to find new ways to express deep and meaningful themes. While the sonnet may seem rigid, it offers endless creative possibilities within its form.
By following the steps outlined in this article, you’ll be well on your way to creating sonnets that explore complex emotions, celebrate beauty, and contribute to the tradition of this revered poetic form. So, grab your pen, focus your mind, and create a sonnet that sings with your unique voice.
