The Sonnet

A sonnet is a 14-line poem, typically written in a specific rhythmic pattern, often iambic pentameter, which mimics a natural speech flow. It usually explores themes like love, nature, or time. There are various types, with the two most common being the Shakespearean (or English) sonnet, which consists of three quatrains and a final couplet, and the Petrarchan (or Italian) sonnet, which features an octave and a sestet. Sonnets often present a problem or idea in the beginning, followed by a resolution or reflection in the concluding lines, showcasing the poet's skill in language and form.