How to Write a Sonnet

Have you ever wanted to express yourself, but were unsure of how to even begin to write a poem? Shakespeare pioneered a new type of poetry known as sonnets. These are sometimes seen as stand alone pieces, but often are incorporated within his various plays. A sonnet, which is always 14 lines, uses a specific rhyming device known as iambic pentameter, wherein every other line rhymes. This device includes three stanzas (called quatrains) and a couplet. The poem also uses metaphors to argue a point, with each stanza utilizing a different metaphor. Play around with writing style by writing sonnets to your girlfriend, dog or computer and maybe one day you'll find yourself as famous as The Bard himself!

Step One: Read a few of Shakespeare's sonnets to familiarize yourself with the style. One of the most famous sonnets, Sonnet 18, is an ideal one to start off with, as the prose and style are very clear to the reader.

Step Two: Decide on a topic to write about. Writing about a person or a special experience are two excellent places to start.

Step Three: Think of an argument to "prove" through the poem using a metaphor. For example, in Sonnet 18, the "argument" is the comparison of the presumed object of Shakespeare's affection to a summer day. Be creative and choose anything you want to write about. For instance, you choose to write about how butterflies are like royalty or expressing that on a very sad day, your heart felt heavy. This will be the main theme of your sonnet that you will expand on.

Step Four: Begin to brainstorm the quatrains in the poem. The first quatrain is four lines long, every other line rhyming (A-B-A-B scheme) and introduces the main metaphor of the theme. The second quatrain is also four lines with an A-B-A-B rhyming sequence in which the metaphor is developed upon, usually using further metaphors. The third quatrain introduces a conflict, often with the ninth line beginning with a "but". It will also have the A-B-A-B rhyming sequence. The last lines are a rhyming couplet, or two lines that rhyme with one another, and bring the sonnet to a conclusion. In the first stage, you'll just want to get an idea of the metaphors used in each line without trying to make them rhyme.

Step Five: Play around with different styles and metaphors. Try writing about different themes or using different metaphors. Remember, when writing a sonnet, nothing is ever set in stone. You can always go back and change what you've written.

Step Six: Show off what you've written to a friend or family member. Let him critique your sonnet and tell you if there are parts of the poem that don't make sense or are vague. Sometimes, a good editor can be an extremely important asset in writing a sonnet that works.

Step Seven: Finish your sonnet. Give it to the person who was the object of your sonnet--if it's flattering, of course!

Example Sonnet (Sonnet 18 by William Shakespeare):

Shall I compare thee to a summer's day?

So long lives this, and this gives life to thee.