A sonnet is a poetic form that has fascinated writers and readers for centuries. Originating in Italy, it has evolved into various styles, each with its own set of rules. This article explores the fundamental characteristics of sonnets, including their structure, meter, rhyme schemes, and thematic elements, to provide a comprehensive understanding of this enduring poetic form.
Definition of a Sonnet
A sonnet is a 14-line poem that traditionally explores themes such as love, nature, or philosophy. The term “sonnet” is derived from the Italian word “sonetto,” meaning “a little sound or song.” Sonnets are known for their strict structural rules, which contribute to their musicality and expressive power.
Structural Elements of a Sonnet
Line Count
All sonnets consist of exactly 14 lines. This uniformity is one of the defining features of the form.
Meter
Sonnets are predominantly written in iambic pentameter. This means each line contains ten syllables, arranged in five pairs called “iambs.” An iamb is a metrical foot with an unstressed syllable followed by a stressed syllable, creating a da-DUM rhythm.
Example of iambic pentameter:
“Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day?”
Here, each pair of syllables follows the unstressed-stressed pattern characteristic of iambic pentameter.
Rhyme Scheme
The rhyme scheme of a sonnet varies depending on its type. The two most common types are the Petrarchan (Italian) and the Shakespearean (English) sonnets.
Types of Sonnets and Their Rules
Petrarchan (Italian) Sonnet
The Petrarchan sonnet is divided into two parts:
- Octave: The first eight lines, typically following an ABBAABBA rhyme scheme.
- Sestet: The remaining six lines, which may follow various rhyme schemes such as CDECDE or CDCDCD.
This structure often presents a problem or situation in the octave, followed by a resolution or reflection in the sestet. The transition between these two sections is known as the “volta” or “turn,” marking a shift in the poem’s subject matter or tone.
Example of a Petrarchan sonnet:
“I know that all beneath the moon decays, And what by mortals in this world is brought, In Time’s great periods shall return to nought; That fairest states have fatal nights and days; I know that all the Muse’s heavenly lays, With toil of spirit which are so dearly bought, As idle sounds, of few or none are sought, That there is nothing lighter than vain praise. I know frail beauty like the purple flower, To which one morn oft birth and death affords; That love a jarring is of minds’ accords, Where sense and will invassal reason’s power: Know what I list, this all can not me move, But that, O me! I both must write and love.”
This poem by William Drummond of Hawthornden exemplifies the Petrarchan sonnet form, with its ABBAABBA CDDCEE rhyme scheme and thematic shift between the octave and sestet.
Shakespearean (English) Sonnet
The Shakespearean sonnet consists of:
- Three Quatrains: Each containing four lines, with alternating rhymes following an ABABCDCDEFEF pattern.
- Couplet: A concluding two-line section with a GG rhyme scheme.
This format allows the poet to develop a theme over three quatrains and conclude with a summarizing or contrasting couplet. The “volta” often occurs at the ninth line or at the final couplet.
Example of a Shakespearean sonnet:
“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: Sometime too hot the eye of heaven shines, And often is his gold complexion dimmed; And every fair from fair sometime declines, By chance or nature’s changing course untrimmed; But thy eternal summer shall not fade Nor lose possession of that fair thou ow’st; Nor shall Death brag thou wander’st in his shade, When in eternal lines to time thou grow’st: So long as men can breathe or eyes can see, So long lives this, and this gives life to thee.”
This sonnet by William Shakespeare follows the ABABCDCDEFEFGG rhyme scheme and employs iambic pentameter throughout.
Why Sonnets Matter
Sonnets have stood the test of time because of their ability to convey deep emotions and complex ideas in a concise and structured way. Their rhythmic beauty and lyrical quality make them a joy to read and write. By understanding the rules of a sonnet, you can appreciate the skill and artistry that goes into crafting these timeless poems.
Conclusion
The sonnet is a poetic form that combines structure, rhythm, and emotion in a way that few other forms can. Whether you’re reading a classic Petrarchan sonnet or a modern adaptation, the rules of a sonnet provide a framework for creativity and expression. From Shakespeare’s romantic verses to contemporary explorations of social issues, sonnets continue to inspire and move readers around the world.
If you’re new to sonnets, start by reading some of the greats, like Petrarch, Shakespeare, or Elizabeth Barrett Browning. Then, try writing your own sonnet—it’s a rewarding challenge that will deepen your appreciation for this beautiful form of poetry.
Related Topics: