Writing an English sonnet can be both a challenging and rewarding experience for any poet. Known for its strict structure, rhyme scheme, and rich history, the English sonnet (or Shakespearean sonnet) offers poets a beautiful form for expressing emotion, philosophy, and creativity. This article will break down everything you need to know about writing an English sonnet, from understanding its form to mastering its nuances. Whether you are a seasoned poet or a beginner, this guide will help you navigate the intricacies of writing an English sonnet.
What Is an English Sonnet?
An English sonnet is a 14-line poem that follows a specific rhyme scheme and meter. It is also known as a Shakespearean or Elizabethan sonnet because it was popularized by William Shakespeare. The English sonnet is part of a larger family of sonnets that includes the Italian (Petrarchan) sonnet and the Spenserian sonnet. However, the English sonnet is distinct for its rhyme scheme and its division into three quatrains and a final rhymed couplet.
Key Features of an English Sonnet
14 Lines: The poem is always exactly 14 lines.
Iambic Pentameter: Each line contains ten syllables, typically in a rhythm of unstressed syllable followed by a stressed syllable.
Rhyme Scheme: The English sonnet uses the rhyme scheme ABAB CDCD EFEF GG.
Volta: A shift in tone or argument often occurs around the ninth line.
Step-by-Step Guide to Writing an English Sonnet
Step 1: Understand the Structure
The first step in writing an English sonnet is to familiarize yourself with its structure. The poem consists of three quatrains (four-line stanzas) followed by a couplet (a two-line stanza). The rhyme scheme for the quatrains is ABAB CDCD EFEF, and the couplet follows the pattern GG. This structure can be used to present a progression of ideas or a developing argument, with the final couplet often providing a resolution or conclusion.
Quatrains (ABAB CDCD EFEF)
Each quatrain allows the poet to develop or explore a different facet of the central idea. The rhyme scheme guides the poet in choosing words that will help tie the lines together. The first quatrain typically introduces the theme or problem, the second and third quatrains build upon it, and the final couplet resolves or comments on the preceding ideas.
Couplet (GG)
The final couplet serves as the conclusion to the poem. It often offers a twist, a resolution, or a final reflection on the theme introduced in the quatrains.
Step 2: Use Iambic Pentameter
The English sonnet is traditionally written in iambic pentameter, a rhythmic pattern of ten syllables per line with a specific stress pattern. Each line consists of five “feet,” each containing an unstressed syllable followed by a stressed syllable (da-DUM). This creates a rhythm that sounds natural and is pleasing to the ear.
When writing in iambic pentameter, it’s important to keep the rhythm consistent across all 14 lines. However, some variations in meter (such as substitutions of different feet) can be used for artistic effect, but it’s important not to stray too far from the regular rhythm.
Step 3: Craft the First Quatrain
In the first quatrain, begin by introducing the theme or problem you want to explore. Use vivid imagery, metaphors, or other poetic devices to draw the reader into the world of the poem. The first quatrain is your opportunity to capture the reader’s attention and set the tone for the rest of the poem.
“Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day? Thou art more lovely and more temperate: Rough winds do shake the darling buds of May, And summer’s lease hath all too short a date.”
In Shakespeare’s Sonnet 18, the first quatrain introduces the speaker’s contemplation of the beloved’s beauty and begins to compare it to the fleeting nature of summer.
Step 4: Develop the Theme in the Second Quatrain
The second quatrain expands upon the theme introduced in the first. This is where you can deepen the exploration of the central idea, building on the imagery or metaphors used earlier. Consider using contrast, additional imagery, or a shift in perspective to continue developing your theme.
“But thy eternal summer shall not fade Nor lose possession of that fair thou owest; Nor shall Death brag thou wanderest in his shade, When in eternal lines to time thou growest.”
In the second quatrain of Sonnet 18, Shakespeare contrasts the fleeting beauty of summer with the eternal beauty of the subject, which will live on in the poem itself.
Step 5: Contrast or Resolve the Theme in the Third Quatrain
The third quatrain is often where the poem turns, taking a more reflective or complex view of the theme. You may introduce a twist, contrast, or complication to the problem or theme that you’ve been developing.
“So long as men can breathe or eyes can see, So long lives my love, and this gives life to thee.”
In the final lines of Sonnet 18, the poem resolves by stating that the beloved’s beauty will endure through poetry itself. The speaker suggests that the poem will immortalize the beloved’s beauty for as long as people read and understand it.
Step 6: Create a Memorable Couplet
The final two lines of the sonnet should tie everything together. This couplet often offers a surprising or insightful conclusion to the poem, emphasizing the theme in a concise and powerful way. In many cases, the couplet provides a twist or offers the ultimate message of the poem.
“For as long as men can breathe or eyes can see, So long lives my love, and this gives life to thee.”
Shakespeare’s final couplet in Sonnet 18 is both a conclusion and a promise. It suggests that the speaker’s love will never die, as long as the poem exists to immortalize it.
Additional Tips for Writing an English Sonnet
Start with a Theme or Idea
The best sonnets often begin with a central theme or idea that the poet wants to explore. This could be love, time, nature, beauty, or any other universal theme. Think about what you want to say before you start writing, and let the structure of the sonnet guide you through the development of your idea.
Use Vivid Imagery
Sonnets are a great way to express deep emotions and observations about the world. Use vivid imagery to paint pictures with your words, making your poem more evocative and engaging.
Experiment with Word Choice
While the sonnet has a rigid structure, it also gives you ample room for creativity. Pay attention to your word choices, especially for the rhyme scheme. Choosing words that feel natural while still maintaining the rhyme can be challenging but rewarding.
Focus on Emotional Impact
The best sonnets often carry deep emotional weight. Whether you’re writing about the passage of time or the beauty of nature, strive to connect with the reader’s emotions. Your words should stir feelings in the audience and make them think long after they’ve read your poem.
Avoid Clichés
While the sonnet form is traditional, try to avoid overused phrases or ideas. Make sure your poem is unique by bringing fresh insights or new ways of thinking to the form.
Conclusion
Writing an English sonnet can seem daunting due to its strict structure and rhythm, but it offers a wonderful opportunity to craft a concise and powerful piece of poetry. By understanding the form—its quatrains, couplets, rhyme scheme, and meter—you can begin to explore your own poetic voice within the confines of tradition. Whether you’re experimenting with themes of love, nature, or philosophy, the sonnet provides a structured space for creative exploration.
With practice and patience, you will find that the English sonnet is not only an enjoyable form to write but also a timeless medium for expressing profound thoughts and emotions. So, take up your pen, start crafting, and allow the beauty of the sonnet form to guide you in your poetic journey.
