Sonnets: What They Are and How to Write One

Have you ever read a poem that felt like a perfect little package of feelings and thoughts? Chances are, you were reading a sonnet. Sonnets are one of the most famous types of poems in the world. They have been around for hundreds of years, and poets still write them today.

In this article, we will explore what sonnets are, why they are special, and how you can write your own.

Part 1: What Is a Sonnet?

A sonnet is a type of poem. It comes from the Italian word "sonetto," which means "little song." And that is exactly what a sonnet is – a little song made of words.

Here are the basic rules of a sonnet:

1. It has 14 lines

Every sonnet has exactly 14 lines. No more, no less. This is the most important rule.

2. It has a specific rhyme scheme

Rhyme scheme means the pattern of rhyming words at the end of each line. There are different patterns, which we will talk about soon.

3. It has a specific rhythm

Most sonnets are written in something called "iambic pentameter." This is a fancy term, but it simply means each line has 10 syllables, with a pattern of unstressed and stressed beats. Think of it like a heartbeat: da-DUM da-DUM da-DUM da-DUM da-DUM.

4. It has a "turn" or shift

In a sonnet, something changes around line 8 or 9. The poem might shift from a problem to a solution, or from a question to an answer. This is called the "volta," which is Italian for "turn."

Part 2: The Two Main Types of Sonnets

There are two main types of sonnets. Both have 14 lines, but they have different rhyme schemes and structures.

Type 1: The Italian Sonnet (also called the Petrarchan Sonnet)

This is the older type of sonnet. It was made famous by a poet named Petrarch from Italy.

Structure:

• First 8 lines: Called the "octave" (from the Latin word for eight). These lines usually present a problem, ask a question, or describe a situation.
• Last 6 lines: Called the "sestet" (from the Latin word for six). These lines give a solution, answer the question, or offer a different perspective.

Rhyme scheme:
The octave rhymes: ABBA ABBA
The sestet can have different patterns, such as CDE CDE or CDC DCD

Example pattern:

Line 1: A
Line 2: B
Line 3: B
Line 4: A
Line 5: A
Line 6: B
Line 7: B
Line 8: A

(Then the sestet continues with new rhymes)

Where the turn happens: Between line 8 and line 9.

Type 2: The English Sonnet (also called the Shakespearean Sonnet)

This type was made famous by William Shakespeare. He wrote 154 sonnets!

Structure:

• First 12 lines: Divided into three groups of 4 lines each. These are called "quatrains." Each quatrain presents an idea or image.
• Last 2 lines: Called a "couplet." These two lines often sum up the poem or give a surprising twist.

Rhyme scheme:
ABAB CDCD EFEF GG

Example pattern:

Lines 1-4: ABAB
Lines 5-8: CDCD
Lines 9-12: EFEF
Lines 13-14: GG

Where the turn happens: Usually in line 9, or sometimes in the final couplet (lines 13-14).

Part 3: What Do Poets Write About in Sonnets?

Sonnets can be about many things, but they traditionally focus on a few topics:

Love

This is the most common topic. Many sonnets are about romantic love – loving someone, losing someone, or wanting someone.

Beauty

Poets often write about physical beauty, but also about the beauty of nature, ideas, or art.

Time

Sonnets frequently talk about how time passes and how things change or fade.

Death

Because time passes, death is a common theme. Poets often try to "beat" death by writing poems that will last forever.

Nature

Many sonnets describe the natural world – flowers, seasons, the sun, the moon.

Part 4: Why Are Sonnets So Special?

Sonnets have remained popular for over 700 years. Here is why:

1. They are short but powerful

With only 14 lines, a sonnet says a lot in a small space. Every word must matter.

2. They have a built-in structure

The rules give poets a framework to work with. Sometimes, having rules makes creativity easier!

3. They have a natural flow

The rhythm of iambic pentameter sounds musical. It is pleasing to read aloud.

4. They have a surprise

The "turn" in a sonnet often gives a new perspective. This keeps readers interested.

Part 5: How to Write Your Own Sonnet

Now for the fun part – writing your own sonnet! Do not be scared. Take it step by step.

Step 1: Choose Your Type

Decide if you want to write an Italian sonnet or an English sonnet. I suggest starting with the English sonnet because the rhyme scheme is easier to follow.

Step 2: Choose Your Topic

What do you want to write about? Pick something simple. Good topics for beginners include:

• A favorite season
• A loved one
• A feeling (like joy or sadness)
• A place you love
• A memory

Step 3: Write Down Ideas

Before you start with the rules, just write down everything you want to say. Do not worry about rhymes or rhythm yet. Just get your thoughts on paper.

For example, if you are writing about summer, you might write:

• Summer is hot
• Days are long
• I love swimming
• The sun is bright
• Flowers are blooming

Step 4: Think About the "Turn"

Decide what your turn will be. For example:

• First part: Describe how beautiful summer is.
• Turn: But summer does not last forever.
• Ending: So enjoy it while it lasts.

Step 5: Start Writing in Rhyme

Now try to write your poem in 14 lines with the right rhyme scheme.

For an English sonnet, aim for:

Quatrain 1 (Lines 1-4): ABAB
Quatrain 2 (Lines 5-8): CDCD
Quatrain 3 (Lines 9-12): EFEF
Couplet (Lines 13-14): GG

Here is a simple example:

Line 1: The summer sun is shining bright today (A)
Line 2: The sky above is such a lovely blue (B)
Line 3: I wish this lovely weather here would stay (A)
Line 4: The days are long, the nights are short and few (B)

Line 5: The flowers bloom in colors all around (C)
Line 6: The bees are buzzing, busy with their work (D)
Line 7: The birds are singing such a cheerful sound (C)
Line 8: No time for sadness, no time just to shirk (D)

Line 9: But soon the autumn winds will start to blow (E)
Line 10: The leaves will fall and summer will be gone (F)
Line 11: The days get short, the chilly winds will blow (E)
Line 12: And all the summer beauty will be drawn (F)

Line 13: So while the summer sun is shining still (G)
Line 14: Let us enjoy each moment, if we will (G)

Step 6: Count Your Syllables

Each line should have about 10 syllables. Count them on your fingers.

"The sum-mer sun is shin-ing bright to-day" = 10 syllables!

If a line has 9 or 11, try adjusting it. You can change words or add small words like "and" or "the."

Step 7: Read It Aloud

Read your sonnet out loud. Does it sound good? Does the rhythm feel natural? If something sounds awkward, change it.

Step 8: Revise

Good poems are not written – they are rewritten. Change words, try different rhymes, and make it better. Do not worry if your first attempt is not perfect. Even famous poets rewrote their poems many times.

Part 6: Tips for Writing Better Sonnets

1. Use simple language

You do not need big fancy words. Some of the best sonnets use everyday words.

2. Use imagery

Help your reader see, hear, smell, and feel what you are describing. Instead of saying "it was hot," say "the sun beat down like a fiery drum."

3. Show, don't tell

Instead of saying "I am sad," describe what sadness looks like. "Tears fall like raindrops on the window pane."

4. Keep your turn clear

Make sure your reader can see where the poem changes direction. Words like "but," "yet," or "however" can help.

5. End with a punch

The last two lines (the couplet) should be strong and memorable. This is what your reader will remember.

Part 7: Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Forcing rhymes

If a rhyme feels forced or strange, change it. It is better to change your word order than to use a weird rhyme.

2. Losing your meaning

Sometimes poets get so caught up in rhymes that they forget what they wanted to say. Always keep your main idea clear.

3. Having lines that are too long or short

Try to keep your lines close to 10 syllables. If one line is much longer or shorter than the others, it will feel awkward.

4. Forgetting the turn

If your poem does not have a turn, it is just a rhyming poem, not a sonnet. The turn is what makes a sonnet special.

Part 8: Famous Sonnets to Read

Reading famous sonnets can help you understand how they work. Here are some to look up:

By William Shakespeare:

• Sonnet 18: "Shall I compare thee to a summer's day?"
• Sonnet 29: "When, in disgrace with fortune and men's eyes"
• Sonnet 130: "My mistress' eyes are nothing like the sun"

By John Milton:

• "When I consider how my light is spent"

By Elizabeth Barrett Browning:

• Sonnet 43: "How do I love thee? Let me count the ways"

By William Wordsworth:

• "Composed upon Westminster Bridge"

Part 9: A Simple Sonnet Template

If you are stuck, use this template for an English sonnet. Just fill in the blanks!

Quatrain 1 (Introduce your topic)
Line 1: (A) ________________________________
Line 2: (B) ________________________________
Line 3: (A) ________________________________
Line 4: (B) ________________________________

Quatrain 2 (Develop the idea)
Line 5: (C) ________________________________
Line 6: (D) ________________________________
Line 7: (C) ________________________________
Line 8: (D) ________________________________

Quatrain 3 (Introduce the turn)
Line 9: (E) ________________________________
Line 10: (F) ________________________________
Line 11: (E) ________________________________
Line 12: (F) ________________________________

Couplet (End with a strong finish)
Line 13: (G) ________________________________
Line 14: (G) ________________________________

Part 10: Practice Exercise

Try writing a sonnet about one of these topics:

1. Your favorite season
2. A pet
3. Your best friend
4. The ocean
5. A beautiful sunset

Remember:

• 14 lines
• 10 syllables per line
• Rhyme scheme: ABAB CDCD EFEF GG
• A turn somewhere in the poem
• A strong ending

Take your time. It might take a few tries to get it right. That is okay!

Conclusion

Sonnets are wonderful poems that have been loved for centuries. They follow clear rules – 14 lines, a rhyme scheme, a rhythm, and a turn – but within those rules, you can express yourself in endless ways.

Writing a sonnet is like solving a puzzle. You need to fit your thoughts into a specific shape. But when you do, the result is a beautiful "little song" that can be enjoyed by anyone who reads it.

Now it is your turn. Grab a pen and paper, or open a document on your computer, and try writing your first sonnet. Remember, the most important thing is to have fun and express yourself. Your first sonnet does not need to be perfect. Every great poet started somewhere.

Happy writing!

Quick Reference Card

Final Thought: Poetry is a way to share what is in your heart. The rules of a sonnet are just tools to help you. Do not let them stop you from expressing yourself. Write from your heart, and your words will find their way.