A sonnet is a type of poem that has captivated writers and readers alike for centuries. Its structure, rhythm, and style have made it one of the most enduring and admired forms of poetry. The sonnet, with its 14 lines, has long been a vehicle for expressing emotions, philosophy, love, beauty, and even political thought. But, despite its established legacy, the sonnet form can be challenging to master. For beginners, the process of writing a sonnet may seem overwhelming, but with the right approach and a good understanding of its rules, anyone can write a sonnet. This article is aimed at helping beginners understand what a sonnet is, how to structure it, and how to write one step by step.
What is a Sonnet?
A sonnet is a poem consisting of 14 lines, typically written in iambic pentameter. The word “sonnet” comes from the Italian word sonetto, meaning “little song,” and reflects the sonnet’s melodious and rhythmic nature. Traditionally, sonnets explore themes like love, time, beauty, nature, and the human condition. They can be broken down into different types, with the most common being the Shakespearean (English) sonnet, the Petrarchan (Italian) sonnet, and the Spenserean sonnet.
Understanding the Basics of a Sonnet
To write a sonnet, beginners need to understand a few basic concepts that are essential to the structure of the poem. These are:
Iambic Pentameter
Iambic pentameter is the most common meter used in English sonnets. It consists of five “feet,” each with two syllables. The first syllable is unstressed, and the second syllable is stressed. It follows this rhythmic pattern:
For example:
- Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day? (Shakespeare, “Sonnet 18”)
This meter is the heartbeat of a sonnet, providing a natural rhythm that makes the poem sound fluid and musical.
The 14-Line Structure
A sonnet contains 14 lines. These lines are grouped into sections, which may vary depending on the type of sonnet. In a Shakespearean sonnet, the 14 lines are divided into three quatrains (four-line stanzas) and a final couplet (two lines). Each quatrain introduces a new idea or theme, and the couplet at the end offers a conclusion or twist.
Rhyme Scheme
Every sonnet follows a specific rhyme scheme. The most popular rhyme schemes are:
Shakespearean Sonnet: ABAB CDCD EFEF GG
Petrarchan Sonnet: ABBA ABBA (for the first eight lines) and CDCDCD or CDECDE (for the final six lines)
Spenserean Sonnet: ABAB BCBC CDCD EE
The rhyme scheme is important because it gives structure to the poem, and it plays a significant role in the flow and emotional impact of the piece.
Volta (The “Turn”)
Sonnets typically feature a “volta,” which is the shift or change in direction that occurs toward the end of the poem. In a Shakespearean sonnet, the volta often happens at the start of the third quatrain, though it may appear later. The volta marks a shift in perspective or argument, helping to create a sense of tension and resolution.
For example, in Shakespeare’s “Sonnet 18,” the first 12 lines compare the speaker’s lover to a summer’s day, but the final two lines reveal that the lover’s beauty will live forever through the poem itself.
Step-by-Step Guide to Writing a Sonnet
Now that you understand the key elements of a sonnet, let’s break down the process of writing one step by step.
Choose a Theme or Topic
Before you begin writing, it’s essential to decide on the subject of your sonnet. Sonnets often revolve around deep emotions, ideas, or reflections, such as love, time, nature, beauty, or mortality. Think about something that inspires you—whether it’s the beauty of a sunset, a personal relationship, or a philosophical thought. Here are some theme ideas for beginners:
Love: Expressing romantic feelings or admiration.
Nature: Describing the changing seasons, landscapes, or the natural world.
Time: Reflecting on the passage of time, aging, or memory.
Beauty: Exploring both inner and outer beauty.
Mortality: Contemplating death, legacy, or the fleeting nature of life.
Write the First Quatrain (The Introduction)
The first quatrain is your opening section, where you introduce your theme. It should be four lines long, and the rhyme scheme will follow the pattern ABAB in a Shakespearean sonnet.
Here, Shakespeare introduces the theme of aging and the passage of time.
Your first quatrain should clearly present your main idea, using vivid imagery or emotional language.
Write the Second Quatrain (The Development)
The second quatrain develops the theme introduced in the first. It builds upon your original idea and begins to deepen the thought process. In a Shakespearean sonnet, the rhyme scheme continues to follow ABAB.
For example, in Shakespeare’s “Sonnet 18,” the second quatrain is:
Sometime too hot the eye of heaven shines (C)
And often is his gold complexion dimmed; (D)
And every fair from fair sometime declines, (C)
By chance, or nature’s changing course, untrimmed. (D)
Here, the poet continues exploring the idea of the fleeting nature of beauty, using metaphors like “eye of heaven” and “gold complexion” to describe the sun.
For your own sonnet, continue to expand on the original idea, presenting new perspectives or examples that further develop the theme.
Write the Third Quatrain (The Argument or Tension)
The third quatrain marks a turning point in the sonnet. Here, the poet often intensifies the emotional impact of the poem or introduces a twist to the argument. It’s a place to reflect on the consequences of the theme or introduce a contrasting idea.
In Shakespeare’s “Sonnet 18,” the third quatrain is:
But thy eternal summer shall not fade (E)
Nor lose possession of that fair thou ow’st (F)
Nor shall Death brag thou wander’st in his shade, (E)
When in eternal lines to time thou grow’st. (F)
The third quatrain turns the discussion around by offering a solution to the problem presented in the previous lines, providing a sense of permanence and immortality through the written word.
For your sonnet, consider introducing a resolution or surprising twist to the argument you’ve been developing. Use vivid and emotive language to create a sense of finality.
Write the Final Couplet (The Conclusion or Resolution)
The final two lines of the sonnet, known as the couplet, often serve to summarize or resolve the argument. In a Shakespearean sonnet, the couplet typically follows the rhyme scheme GG.
In Shakespeare’s “Sonnet 18,” the final couplet is:
So long as men can breathe, or eyes can see, (G)
So long lives my love, and so long lives my poetry. (G)
The couplet offers a conclusion to the theme, providing a sense of closure or resolution.
For your sonnet, the couplet should wrap up the poem by offering a final reflection or insight on the theme you’ve explored. It should feel like the natural culmination of the poem, whether it’s a deep realization or an unexpected twist.
Revise and Refine
Once you have your basic sonnet written, take some time to revise and refine. Look for places where the rhythm may be off or where the imagery can be stronger. Pay attention to the rhyme scheme to make sure it’s consistent. Finally, ensure the volta (turn) is clear, and the conclusion is satisfying.
Conclusion
Writing a sonnet is a rewarding challenge for any poet, especially beginners. With its strict form and structure, the sonnet forces the writer to think critically and creatively. By understanding the basic elements of a sonnet, such as its rhyme scheme, meter, and the volta, anyone can write a sonnet that expresses deep emotions or powerful ideas. With practice and careful attention to detail, you can create a sonnet that resonates with readers and carries on the tradition of this timeless poetic form.
