17 How to Write a Shakespearean Sonnet
“Write till your ink be dry, and with your tears /Moist it again, and frame some feeling line/ That may discover such integrity.”
Let’s begin:
Consider the Shakespearean Sonnet:
When preparing to write a Shakespearean sonnet, it is good to first remember the form. The sonnet has many strict parameters. The poem is 14 lines long, divided into 3 quatrains and a closing couplet. It is written in iambic pentameter. It also has a rhyme scheme of abab cdcd efef gg. The sonnet are usually about love.
If you are new to writing sonnets, you may find it helpful to use a graphic organizer.
Consider the Meter:
When you are writing, think about the words and their syllables. With each word, each syllable is either spoken with a hard sound, which is called stressed, or with a soft sound, which is called unstressed. Stressed syllables are traditionally marked with a /, and unstressed are traditionally marked with U . One iambic foot consists of one unstressed and one stressed syllable in that order. This measure mimics the beat of the heart. An iambic pentameter consists of five iambic feet. In a sonnet, each line has a total of ten syllables repeating the pattern of “unstressed, stressed” five times : da DUM da DUM da DUM da DUM da DUM.
Consider Your Topic:
Many times writing a sonnet is a message to someone, written from you to a person. However, sonnets can be about a single idea as well. When considering who or what to write about, just think on the peoplr or ideas you love and begin from there.
Put pen to paper:
After selecting your topic. Let your words fly. Stay true. Open your heart to your purpose and let all of the good thoughts fill and overflow. And write write - write. Let the words fly. As you write count - get the beats - remember - 10 per line in the pattern of the beating of the heart.
Revise and rewrite:
After exhausting your flow of ideas. Review your work. Revise if you feel you need to change. Rewrite if you notice a hinge.
Edit:
After reviewing for needed changes, it always go to go over your work again. Correct any details in spelling and grammar that stand out to you.
Celebrate:
Reread your work and enjoy it. Celebrate your beautiful creation.
Share:
Sonnets are the perfect kind of poem to share, especially if you have written about someone you love, that person will cherish your words forever.
My Sonnet :
Sweet man, my husband, with you I join
With your kisses and happiness, I stand.
Breathe in your goodness, I exhale this poem
Residing in your love, I take your hand.
Into your world--you lead me--I sing
Into color-and sound-and texture too
Greens and golds--warbles and roughs--all to bring
All my mind, to stillness and depth with you.
And it’s with each bird song with you I think
With each laughing smile, I too, smile on
Weeks, and days, and hours pass in a blink
But so constant is my admiration
With all my heart--from my head to my feet
I live the life I love with you--my sweet.
Questions
What type of ode is this?
How many lines are in this poem?
Do you see any repeating words or phrase?
What imagery stands out to you?
Does the writer employ figurative language? If so, explain.
What is your interpretation of this poem?
How do the words make you feel?
Does this work inspire you in any way?