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How To Write A Sonnet

Submitted by MeKnows on 08/06/2009
A sonnet is a short lyric or poem of fourteen lines. It uses two major forms of languages. This includes: the Shakespearean or English language and the Petrarchan or Italian language.

In order to write a version of your own sonnet, the first thing you need to prioritize is learning the basic tools used in expressing your own thoughts, ideas, and emotions. This is of course the two languages of a poet that were mentioned above.

Once you are equipped with the knowledge and ready to make your own sonnet, follow the simple steps we provide in this section. You can consider these as tips on how to write a sonnet:

Step 1:
    Choose the theme of your sonnet. It is important to determine the theme you opt to use in your sonnet. This is the most important thing to know, prior to writing the actual sonnet content. Themes may often tackle emotions like Love, as well as Philosophy. In fact this is the standard choice of the old sonnets. However contemporary sonnets can deal with almost any subject matter.

Step 2:
    Partition the theme of your sonnet. Themes are divided into two partitions. The first part is the presentation of opinions, feelings or situation to the audience. The second section is the climax and/or the conclusion.

Step 3:
    Create three stanzas for the first section. Each stanza should have four lines. This applying the concept, called three quatrains.

Step 4:
    Construct these three quatrains with a rhyme and method that goes like: a-b-a-b, c-d-c-d, and e-f-e-f. This indicates that the last words of all lines with the same letter rhyme with each other.

Step 5:
    The method used in three quatrains is a bit technical; therefore you need to know at least the basic concept. Refer to Shakespeare’s “Sonnet 30”. It utilizes the method and also applies the concept of iambic pentameter.

Step 6:
    Write the last section of your sonnet. The standard format is using the couplet approach, which signifies two rhyming lines of poetry. The rhyme you will utilize in this section is the g-g scheme. This means that the last words of the two lines rhyme with each other. Refer to “Sonnet 30” to see how it is being implemented in the sonnet.


Writing a sonnet is indeed interesting and fun. Yet, this type of work requires a basic “know-how” about the important terms and their usage in the entire verse. The more you know about sonnet, the more you will love and appreciate its art.



 

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