Sonnets are a form of poetry that have been around for centuries, originating in Italy and becoming famous in the English-speaking world through the works of William Shakespeare. Though many people have heard of sonnets, not everyone understands exactly what makes them unique. In this article, we will explore the structure, style, and themes of sonnets, giving you a clear understanding of what a sonnet should look like.
The Origin of Sonnets
The sonnet, first popularized by the Italian poet Petrarch in the 14th century, is a highly structured form of poetry. The word “sonnet” itself comes from the Italian word “sonetto,” which means “little song.” It was originally a short poem that expressed intense emotions, often related to love or beauty. Over time, the sonnet was adopted and adapted by poets all over Europe, especially in England, where it became closely associated with William Shakespeare.
Shakespeare’s sonnets, published in 1609, are some of the most famous in the world. They helped establish the modern sonnet form we recognize today. Even though sonnets have evolved over the centuries, their basic structure and poetic devices remain relatively consistent.
What Makes a Sonnet Different?
Sonnets are known for their specific structural rules. These rules govern everything from the number of lines to the rhyme scheme, making sonnets distinct from other types of poetry. Let’s dive into the essential features of a sonnet, which are key to understanding what it should look like.
The Structure of a Sonnet
Number of Lines
One of the first things you’ll notice about a sonnet is that it always has 14 lines. This is one of the most important characteristics of a sonnet, and it is the foundation of its structure. Whether written in the Italian, English, or any other variation of the sonnet form, the poem must consist of exactly 14 lines.
The Meter
The meter of a sonnet refers to the rhythm of the poem. In most English sonnets, the meter is iambic pentameter. This means that each line has ten syllables, alternating between unstressed and stressed beats.
For example, in Shakespeare’s famous sonnet 18 (“Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day?”), the first line follows this rhythm:
Shall I comPARE thee TO a SUM mer’S DAY?
While other meters can be used, iambic pentameter is the most common for traditional English sonnets.
Rhyme Scheme
The rhyme scheme refers to how the ends of the lines rhyme with each other. There are several different types of sonnets, and each has its own specific rhyme scheme. The two most famous types are the Petrarchan sonnet and the Shakespearean sonnet.
Petrarchan Sonnet (Italian Sonnet): The Petrarchan sonnet is divided into two parts:
The Octave: The first eight lines, which follow an ABBAABBA rhyme scheme.
The Sestet: The last six lines, which may follow one of several different rhyme schemes, like CDCDCD or CDECDE.
This division of the sonnet reflects the shift in tone or theme that often occurs between the octave and sestet.
Shakespearean Sonnet (English Sonnet): The Shakespearean sonnet is divided into three quatrains (four-line stanzas) and a final rhymed couplet (two lines). The rhyme scheme is ABAB CDCD EFEF GG.
The Shakespearean sonnet is more flexible in its structure, often allowing for a more conversational or narrative flow compared to the Petrarchan sonnet.
The Volta
The volta is a shift in theme, tone, or argument that typically occurs in a sonnet. In many sonnets, the volta comes after the eighth line, or at the start of the final couplet. It marks a change, whether it is a turn in the argument, a new insight, or a change in the speaker’s emotional state. In a Petrarchan sonnet, the volta usually appears between the octave and sestet, while in a Shakespearean sonnet, it often comes at the beginning of the final two lines.
For example, in Shakespeare’s Sonnet 18, the volta comes at the start of the final couplet, where the poet shifts from describing the beauty of the beloved to claiming that this beauty will live forever through the poem itself.
The Themes of a Sonnet
Love
One of the most common themes of sonnets is love. Whether it is romantic love, unrequited love, or even the love of nature, love is a powerful emotion that lends itself well to the formal structure of the sonnet. Sonneteers like Shakespeare often wrote about the complexity of love, using the structured rhyme and meter to explore deep and intense feelings.
For example, in Sonnet 18, Shakespeare writes about his love for a person, describing their beauty and how it compares to a summer’s day. The sonnet ends with the claim that the beauty of the person will live on forever through the poem itself.
Beauty
Another common theme in sonnets is beauty, often linked to love. Many poets use the sonnet to praise the beauty of a loved one, whether in physical appearance or character. The strict form of the sonnet allows poets to express admiration in a concise, focused manner.
A famous example of a sonnet focusing on beauty is Shakespeare’s Sonnet 130, where the poet humorously compares his mistress to various elements of nature, ultimately suggesting that she is beautiful in her own, unique way.
Time and Mortality
Sonnets frequently reflect on the passage of time and the inevitability of death. Poets often use the sonnet to express concerns about aging, the loss of beauty, or the fleeting nature of life. These themes allow poets to delve into philosophical thoughts, creating poems that speak to universal human experiences.
Shakespeare’s Sonnet 12 is a perfect example of this, as the poet meditates on how time causes everything to wither and fade but suggests that poetry, like a sonnet, can immortalize beauty.
Nature
Nature is another prominent theme in sonnets. In many works, poets use images of nature to symbolize love, beauty, and even the passing of time. These natural images allow poets to draw connections between the human experience and the world around them.
Petrarch, for instance, often used nature as a metaphor for the beauty and fleeting nature of love. His poems often reflect a deep admiration for the natural world, alongside a lament about the passing of time.
Writing a Sonnet
Step 1: Choose a Theme
The first step in writing a sonnet is to decide on a theme. Whether you want to write about love, beauty, time, or nature, the sonnet form is flexible enough to accommodate a wide variety of subjects. A clear theme will give direction to your poem and help you stay focused.
Step 2: Plan the Structure
Once you’ve chosen your theme, plan the structure of your sonnet. If you’re writing a Shakespearean sonnet, remember to use the ABAB CDCD EFEF GG rhyme scheme. If you’re writing a Petrarchan sonnet, you’ll need to create an octave and sestet with the appropriate rhyme schemes. Make sure that the poem has exactly 14 lines.
Step 3: Write in Iambic Pentameter
To give your sonnet a traditional feel, write in iambic pentameter. This means that each line should have ten syllables, following the da-DUM da-DUM da-DUM da-DUM da-DUM pattern. It may take some practice, but the rhythm will help create a musical quality to your poem.
Step 4: Create a Volta
Think about the moment when the tone of your poem shifts. This could be a new realization, a twist in the narrative, or a change in emotional direction. The volta will add depth and movement to your sonnet, making it feel dynamic.
Step 5: Revise and Refine
Once you’ve written your sonnet, take some time to revise it. Check the rhyme scheme, the meter, and the flow of ideas. Ensure that your volta works well and that your sonnet captures the essence of your theme. A well-crafted sonnet is a balance of structure and emotion, and revision is key to achieving that balance.
Conclusion
Sonnets are a beautiful and structured form of poetry that allow poets to express deep emotions and complex ideas in a concise manner. The 14-line structure, iambic pentameter, and specific rhyme schemes provide a framework within which poets can create powerful and meaningful works. Whether you’re writing a sonnet about love, time, nature, or beauty, the sonnet form offers endless possibilities for creative expression. By understanding the key elements of a sonnet, including its structure, meter, and themes, you can begin to appreciate this timeless form of poetry and perhaps even try writing your own.
