Poetry >> Sonnet Rules Rhyme Schemes
Shakespearean Sonnet
Rules & Rhyme Scheme
- Shakespearean sonnets are broken into 4 sections, called quatrains.
- They maintain a strict rhyme scheme:
- ABAB // CDCD // EFEF // GG
- The sonnet must have 14 lines.
- Each line has 10 syllables.
- Each line usually rhymes using the following syllable pattern:
- soft-LOUD-soft-LOUD-soft-LOUD-soft-LOUD-soft-LOUD
- Sonnets often describe a problem and solution, or question and answer.
- The transition from problem to solution (or question to answer) is called the volta (turn).
Cite This Source
Fun FactNo English words rhyme
with month.
Poetry >> Sonnet Rules Rhyme Schemes
Rhyme Schemes
- The quatrains are usually setup as such:
- 1st Quatrain:
- Purpose: establishes the subject
- # of lines: 4
- Rhyme Pattern: ABAB
- 2nd Quatrain:
- Purpose: introduces theme (starts painting the picture)
- # of lines: 4
- Rhyme Pattern: CDCD
- 3rd Quatrain:
- Purpose: finalizes theme
- # of lines: 4
- Rhyme Pattern: EFEF
- 4th Quatrain:
- Purpose: final thoughts
- # of lines: 2
- Rhyme Pattern: GG