

Some sonnets follow the pattern of 12 lines followed by a couplet, while some are written with an 8 + 6 line pattern.Įach line in a sonnet is consistent. Thus, there are three verses of 4 lines each and a concluding verse of 2 lines.

They follow the simple distinction of verse formation such as three quatrains (4 lines each) and a couplet (2 line verse). While these main elements have been the themes for Shakespeare's sonnets, a lot of modification has taken place in the course of the centuries to encompass even nature and natural elements. Some notable points that are seen in a sonnet are alliteration, strong imagery and the clever use of metaphors. However, there are some basic features which encompass the science and art of Shakespeare's sonnet the outline for which is given in this guide.Įvery sonnet is made up of 14 lines. Essentially there were three themes that he concentrated on, and they were Between the years 1592 to 1598, Shakespeare wrote 154 sonnets. He was a famous poet and play-writer and was instrumental in creating the form of poetry called the Sonnet. William Shakespeare, one of the most renowned of all English writers lived during the second half of the sixteenth century. The Art of Writing a Shakespearean Sonnet
