How-To Write a Shakespearean sonnet
Blair Boyte
Introduction:
Shakespearean sonnets, also known as English sonnets, are written in a specific format that differs from other types of poems. To illustrate, the structure of a Shakespearean sonnet consists of three, four-line stanzas, also known as quatrains, followed by a single, two-line unit called a couplet. The quatrains convey the poem’s theme while the couplet reflects upon and summarizes the overall theme. Likewise, the rhyme scheme of Shakespearean sonnets also follows a unique pattern. This pattern, custom-designed by William Shakespeare in order to more easily and more freely use words to express emotions, uses a separate rhyme scheme for each section; thus, rather than include an identical, recurring rhyme throughout the sonnet, Shakespearean sonnets incorporate a common idea in each section to allow for transition and flow between the quatrains. Shakespearean sonnets primarily contain content that deals with basic human emotions, and common themes include love, beauty, age, and time. To convey these themes to the reader, Shakespeare makes extensive use of imagery—particularly in the forms of figurative language, personification, and metaphors—throughout his sonnets. Poets often portray emotionally-charged content into their works, such as the anguish they feel after being separated from their true love or the joy they feel after a dramatic victory. By following the specific format, incorporating content that deals with basic human emotions, and creatively using imagery, any writer seeking to author an English sonnet can express his or her emotions and appeal to the audience just as Shakespeare does.
Step-by-step Instructions:
1. First, be aware of the specific format Shakespearean sonnets follow. The structure should be composed of fourteen lines including three, four-line stanzas called quatrains, followed by a single, two-line unit called a couplet. The quatrains should tell a story and focus on the sonnet’s theme while the couplet, the poem’s final two lines, should summarize the quatrains. Shakespearean sonnets follow a rhyme scheme of abab, cdcd, efef, gg. Rhyme is not depended upon to provide transition throughout the quatrains; thus, each individual quatrain, as well as the two-line couplet, has a separate rhyming pattern. Transition and flow is accomplished by reiterating a common theme or recurring feeling throughout the quatrains, which allows for more creative and more effective word usage. Each line of words is arranged in an iambic pentameter form; therefore, each line should have unrhymed words with five feet, and each foot should contain an unaccented syllable and an accented syllable.
2. Second, read several English sonnets and become familiar with the format and the way words are used to express emotions. Note any differences or similarities that you find. Also, identify the key features of Shakespearean sonnets, such as the rhyme scheme, meter, and theme; analyze how each component aids, or otherwise effects, the poem’s flow.
3. Third, brainstorm to develop ideas for your sonnet, and identify which emotions your sonnet will express. Then, determine the tone, or literary attitude, that will be used to convey these emotions to the reader. Based on the choices of emotion and tone, formulate a general theme that is appropriate for the desired content. With this theme in mind, begin writing the quatrains. In each quatrain, provide explanation that describes the general theme in more detail, and use tone and imagery to effectively convey this theme to the reader. In the final two lines, or couplet, emphasize and summarize the general theme and bring the sonnet to a close.
4. Fourth, read the completed rough draft out loud. This step allows the writer to hear and comprehend the poem from the reader’s perspective, which highlights any obvious errors and reveals if the words flow properly. Note any errors or concerns.
5. Fifth, read the poem silently. Check to ensure the proper format was followed; pay particular attention to the rhyme scheme, meter, and overall structure. In addition, check for spelling and usage errors. Note any format concerns and circle any grammatical errors.
6. Finally, revise your rough draft by correcting any errors noted. After revision, repeat steps four and five again. If additional errors are found, repeat steps four, five, and six as needed until the poem contains no errors and conforms to the proper format for an English sonnet.
Additional References: Tips and resources to assist with the creation of a sonnet.
A. The format and structure of the sonnet should follow this template. Be sure to use the proper rhyme scheme and structure, as shown below.
Line 1 A
Line 2 B
Line 3 A
Line 4 B Quatrain One/Stanza One
Line 5 C
Line 6 D
Line 7 C
Line 8 D Quatrain Two/Stanza Two
Line 9 E
Line 10 F
Line 11 E
Line 12 F Quatrain Three/Stanza Three
Line 13 G
Line 14 G Couplet
B. Do’s and Don’ts:
Do: Write about what interests or inspires you.
Do: Use emotion not only to express yourself but also to appeal to the audience with pathos.
Don’t: Deviate from the specified format.
Don’t: Fail to review the completed draft before printing a final copy.
C. For more useful information and helpful ideas, visit the following Web Sites:
http://www.cranberrydesigns.com/poetry/sonnet/examples.htm
http://charleswolff.tripod.com/ROTS/r1.html
http://www.thinkingpoetry.com/shakespearean-sonnet
http://www.english.illinois.edu/maps/sonnet.htm
http://www.clas.ufl.edu/users/pcraddoc/mwtone.htm
Shakespearean sonnets, also known as English sonnets, are written in a specific format that differs from other types of poems. To illustrate, the structure of a Shakespearean sonnet consists of three, four-line stanzas, also known as quatrains, followed by a single, two-line unit called a couplet. The quatrains convey the poem’s theme while the couplet reflects upon and summarizes the overall theme. Likewise, the rhyme scheme of Shakespearean sonnets also follows a unique pattern. This pattern, custom-designed by William Shakespeare in order to more easily and more freely use words to express emotions, uses a separate rhyme scheme for each section; thus, rather than include an identical, recurring rhyme throughout the sonnet, Shakespearean sonnets incorporate a common idea in each section to allow for transition and flow between the quatrains. Shakespearean sonnets primarily contain content that deals with basic human emotions, and common themes include love, beauty, age, and time. To convey these themes to the reader, Shakespeare makes extensive use of imagery—particularly in the forms of figurative language, personification, and metaphors—throughout his sonnets. Poets often portray emotionally-charged content into their works, such as the anguish they feel after being separated from their true love or the joy they feel after a dramatic victory. By following the specific format, incorporating content that deals with basic human emotions, and creatively using imagery, any writer seeking to author an English sonnet can express his or her emotions and appeal to the audience just as Shakespeare does.
1. First, be aware of the specific format Shakespearean sonnets follow. The structure should be composed of fourteen lines including three, four-line stanzas called quatrains, followed by a single, two-line unit called a couplet. The quatrains should tell a story and focus on the sonnet’s theme while the couplet, the poem’s final two lines, should summarize the quatrains. Shakespearean sonnets follow a rhyme scheme of abab, cdcd, efef, gg. Rhyme is not depended upon to provide transition throughout the quatrains; thus, each individual quatrain, as well as the two-line couplet, has a separate rhyming pattern. Transition and flow is accomplished by reiterating a common theme or recurring feeling throughout the quatrains, which allows for more creative and more effective word usage. Each line of words is arranged in an iambic pentameter form; therefore, each line should have unrhymed words with five feet, and each foot should contain an unaccented syllable and an accented syllable.
3. Third, brainstorm to develop ideas for your sonnet, and identify which emotions your sonnet will express. Then, determine the tone, or literary attitude, that will be used to convey these emotions to the reader. Based on the choices of emotion and tone, formulate a general theme that is appropriate for the desired content. With this theme in mind, begin writing the quatrains. In each quatrain, provide explanation that describes the general theme in more detail, and use tone and imagery to effectively convey this theme to the reader. In the final two lines, or couplet, emphasize and summarize the general theme and bring the sonnet to a close.
A. The format and structure of the sonnet should follow this template. Be sure to use the proper rhyme scheme and structure, as shown below.
Line 1 A
Line 2 B
Line 3 A
Line 4 B Quatrain One/Stanza One
Line 5 C
Line 6 D
Line 7 C
Line 8 D Quatrain Two/Stanza Two
Line 9 E
Line 10 F
Line 11 E
Line 12 F Quatrain Three/Stanza Three
Line 13 G
Line 14 G Couplet
B. Do’s and Don’ts:
Do: Write about what interests or inspires you.
Do: Use emotion not only to express yourself but also to appeal to the audience with pathos.
Don’t: Deviate from the specified format.
Don’t: Fail to review the completed draft before printing a final copy.
C. For more useful information and helpful ideas, visit the following Web Sites:
http://www.cranberrydesigns.com/poetry/sonnet/examples.htm
http://charleswolff.tripod.com/ROTS/r1.html
http://www.thinkingpoetry.com/shakespearean-sonnet
http://www.english.illinois.edu/maps/sonnet.htm
http://www.clas.ufl.edu/users/pcraddoc/mwtone.htm