Sonnet

A sonnet is a poem with 14 lines that follows a strict rhyme pattern. Sonnets often explore big emotions like love, loss, or beauty.

The most famous type is the Shakespearean sonnet (also called the English sonnet). Each line has ten syllables written in iambic pentameter — that means the rhythm goes soft–strong, five times in each line.

Its rhyme scheme looks like this:

• A
• B
• A
• B
• C
• D
• C
• D
• E
• F
• E
• F
• G
• G

The last two lines (G G) are a rhyming couplet that gives the poem a strong finish.

A Shakespearean sonnet is made of three quatrains (groups of four lines) and one couplet (a pair of lines). The poem usually builds an idea in stages:

• First quatrain: Introduces the main theme and metaphor.
• Second quatrain: Develops or complicates the idea.
• Third quatrain: Adds a twist or contrast — often starting with “but.”
• Couplet: Wraps up with a final thought or image.

Shakespearean Sonnet Example

Sonnet for a Poet Grieving

- written by TheBritsWife

Non-Traditional Sonnet Example

Romantic Interlude

- written by starkat

Examples provided by the writers at FanStory.