Usually, there is a problem expressed in the first three quatrains, which is then resolved by the closing couplet. Each quatrain extends a thought or idea expressed in the preceding quatrain.
To create more variation within the lines, it’s also possible to include 11 syllables, which would end the line on an unstressed syllable. For example, this line from Shakespeare’s Sonnet #29: “Yet in these thoughts my self almost despising,” the stresses are In, thoughts, self, -most, -pis-. The combination of stressed and unstressed syllables are known as a metric foot. Since penta means 5, pentameter means 5 feet. Iambic pentameter is the rhythm that most imitates everyday speech in the English language, so it isn’t really hard to write. [2] X Research source
The rhyme scheme of the Shakespearean sonnet is ABAB CDCD EFEF GG. By looking at the rhyme scheme, you can see that there is a predictable flow to the end rhymes of each of the 14 lines.
The Miltonic sonnet, which is what the British poet William Wordsworth often wrote, uses the rhyme scheme ABBAABBA CDECDE. This is, in fact, a version of the Italian or Petrarchan sonnet, in which the 14 lines are created by 8 lines (2 quatrains) and 6 lines (or sestet) with a volta (or turn) in the middle. The Miltonic sonnet omits the turn in the middle. The Shakespearean sonnet was actually developed by the Earl of Surrey in the 16th century, but it was made famous by Shakespeare in his sonnet sequence printed in 1609.
In ancient Greece, a lyric was a poem written for accompaniment with the lyre, an early stringed instrument. Currently, lyric poetry is written as an expression of individual emotion. The word sonnet literally means “little song. ”[5] X Research source
Grief is another popular topic for sonnets, as grief can be seen as an expression of lost love. Within the topic there is a conflict that will be developed in the first quatrains, and concluded in the final quatrain.
If you aren’t sure what you want the topic of your poem to be, it’s okay to start with an image that captures your attention or even a quote that you find interesting to think about. Because the form of a sonnet is short and intense, it makes sense to use this form for interior, self-directed topics. Sometimes writing a poem can help you sort through an experience that’s confused or overwhelmed you. You might find yourself writing a poem to figure out your own thoughts. The topics of Shakespeare’s own sonnets included time, love, beauty and mortality.
For example, if you want to write about someone your life, you might start by writing about an experience that you shared together, such as a drive or a meal. This event might serve as a metaphor, something that serves to convey information that’s larger than the literal meaning itself. An example of a sonnet written by Shakespeare about an actual experience that was also a metaphor was in Sonnet 22, where he writes about looking into a mirror and seeing the signs of aging in his own face. [9] X Research source
Sensory detail will help you show the reader your meaning, rather than simply telling your meaning. Make sure to include plenty of sensory details, such as what you can smell, feel, taste, and hear.
One way that Shakespeare avoided cliches was to make fun of them, such as in Sonnet 130 where he writes, “My mistress’ eyes are nothing like the sun; Coral is far more red than her lips’ red. . . “[11] X Research source Because it was a common cliche to compare a woman’s body to flattering images, Shakespeare does the opposite. One way to determine whether or not you’re using cliches in your writing is to read your poem out loud to someone else. If your reader can predict the end of any phrase before you say it, you’re probably using a cliche. In order to eliminate all cliches from your poem, focus on what you really intend to say.
Whether you write your poetry in a journal, a notebook, or on your computer is up to you. There’s no “wrong way” to write your poem, so feel free to explore as many different writing styles as you’d like.
Often, the last line of the sonnet doubles as the opening line of the following sonnet. The final sonnet’s last line may be the first line of the initial sonnet.
