These conventions are what make a sonnet a sonnet (and don't panic, as we outline these below). This means that the word refers to a range of different poems that share certain conventions of length, structure, style, and themes. Source: Pexelsįor those of you who have never before set foot into the world of literature, let's start from the very basics. A sonnet history will ensure it remains a sonnet for decades to come.

However, before we get to these elements, let’s understand the history of the sonnet. No, it isn't as soon as you can master all of the elements as we shall see below.

Now, you must be wondering that this must be a very complex form of poetry. It also has a defined structure, style, and rhythmic pattern that makes it easy for you to identify it beyond its length.įrom this definition of what a sonnet is, you can tell that it requires attention being paid to its details while writing else you might be writing something other than a sonnet. It stands out from other forms of poetry because of its defined length, but that's not all there is to the sonnet. The sonnet is a form of poetry that is usually written in fourteen long lines.

To set the ball rolling, let's start by explaining what a sonnet is and a brief history of how it became an important aspect of English literature. You are also expected to know how to apply this knowledge to writing a sonnet in the most creative ways. In this article, we shall provide you with all the details you need to understand what the sonnet is and the application of this poetic form in English literature.Īt the end of this article, it is expected that you must have learned the basic features of this literary form. If this describes you, then there is no cause to worry because you are in the right place. If you have little or no knowledge of the English language, it might be difficult for you to grasp what this is and the various aspects of it that exists. By the time you have finished this article, you'll be able to identify the main features - metrical, thematic, and rhymed - of this literary form, and you'll be able to consider how to write your own! We hope you find it helpful! Any idea what this might be? No worries if not, because we are here to walk you through all aspects of this poetic form. If you are studying poetry, Shakespeare, or English literature at any level, you will inevitably have to grasp with this thing called the sonnet. One of the most famous works of this iconic figure that you will come across in studying the English language is the sonnet. Shakespeare is a very popular figure among English students as it is impossible to study the English language without coming across the person and Shakespeare's writings.

Sonnet examples iambic pentameter