English Sonnet

Sonnets are lyrical structured poems of fourteen lines. It means “little song” or “little sound”.  The first sonnet was composed in the year 1230 by Giacomo da Lentino of Italy.  His version of sonnet was later known as the “Italian sonnets.” There are several types of sonnets. However, they all slightly differ in style or form. Sonnet usually expresses the sonneteer’s personal feelings connected with love or death. The theme of a sonnet is usually about love - passionate, romantic or unrequited love. In a sonnet we can find the meaning in words as well as the pattern.

The most famous form of sonnet is the “English sonnet” popularized by Shakespeare. It was introduced by Thomas Wyatt in the early 16^th century. The English sonnet is also known as the “Shakespeare sonnet”. It slightly differs from other sonnets as it ends with a rhymed couplet. The rhyme scheme is a-b-a-b, c-d-c-d, e-f-e-f, g-g. The English sonnet comprises of 14 lines, broken into 4 stanzas. Each line consists of ten syllables written in iambic pentameter and follows the unstressed/stressed rhythm pattern. It is also interesting to note that each quatrain tends to exhibit a separate image and the concluding couplet renders a remark on the meaning of the preceding image.  In the English Sonnets, the sonneteers’ should use the structure of the poem as part of the language act. Words need to carefully selected to achieve sense, rhythm, balance and rhyme.

One of the best known sonneteer is William Shakespeare. He wrote 154 sonnets. Shakespearean Sonnets are not always easy to analyze. They should be read carefully to be understood. Background knowledge as well as vocabulary of certain level is required. His sonnets are usually tightly written, complex and well organized. His sonnets usually convey an unchanging attitude of love. Even though he did not originate the English sonnet form, he is solely responsible for the popularity of the English sonnet.

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