(with links to individual Sonnet pages)
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Presents: The |
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Go to: the Shakespeare Sonnets LIST page (with links to individual Sonnet pages) |
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For the beginner: How to Write a Sonnet Here's one way to write a Shakespearean 14 line sonnet, if you've never tried one, and don't even know how to get started. First, create a "pool" of simple phrases that rhyme. The phrases provide "building blocks," and they get you started with rhymes. It's desirable to have, oh, a dozen phrases, at least. More is better. The phrases need not be exact rhymes, but must be close. Use simple rhymes, at first. Try to come up with phrases that might have something to do with what you wish to write about. You won't have to use the phrases exactly as you first note them. Also, If you don't already have a subject for your sonnet, just writing down some rhyme phrases may give you an idea for the subject. A few example phrases are shown to the right. It would be best to start with more than are shown. |
write a sonnet buy a bonnet look upon it read a book take a look learn to cook I can do is it true how are you tie my shoe climb a tree busy bee do you see feeling free |
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Second, write some rhyming couplets. Use the phrases from the "pool" that look as if they might work best. You'll probably have to do some fussing, and maybe change phrases, especially if you didn't have enough at first. The couplets will take some time. Get the meter right. The "meter" is the stress pattern. Iambic pentameter is required, which is da DAH da DAH da DAH da DAH da DAH That pattern of stressing alternate syllables is found fairly often in normal spoken English. So, iambic pentameter is a kind of "natural" poetic rhythm for an English speaker. The meter doesn't always have to be absolutely exact, but it does have to be close to perfect. It's usually permissible to leave an unstressed syllable at the end of a line (called a "feminine" ending.) Keep going until you have seven couplets. It's better to write more than seven couplets if you can, so you can pick and choose the ones that work best. Examples of couplets are shown to the right. |
I'm told that I'm supposed to write a sonnet, I know I'd rather shop to buy a bonnet. It isn't something I could ever do, A size six foot won't fit a size five shoe. I look and see how little I have done, I look and see the setting of the sun. I've struggled and I've sweated through the day, And still I have no sonnet to display. I guess I'll only flunk, not make the grade, Because I'll never get a sonnet made. My parents, I suppose, will be depressed, But then, oh well, you'd think they would have guessed. My teacher should just go and climb a tree, She'll never get a sonnet out of me. |
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Third, combine the rhymed couplets to get the required rhyme scheme, which is a rhyme of alternate lines, in the main body of the sonnet. Rewrite the lines as needed so that they work together. Put the sonnet together four lines at a time. The four line sections are called quatrains. The rhymes should be different in each quatrain. The ending, lines 13 and 14, is left as a rhymed couplet. It's traditional to indent the closing couplet. The result for this example is shown to the right. |
I'm told that I'm supposed to write a sonnet, It isn't something I could ever do; I know I'd rather shop to buy a bonnet; A size six foot won't fit a size five shoe. I look and see how little I have done; I've struggled and I've sweated through the day; I look and see the setting of the sun, And still I have no sonnet to display. I guess I'll only flunk, not make the grade, My parents, I suppose, will be depressed, (Because I'll never get a sonnet made,) But then, oh well, you'd think they would have guessed. My teacher should just go and climb a tree, She'll never get a sonnet out of me. |
| Don't expect to be Shakespeare on your first try. But if you use the "building block" method described here, you really can compose a sonnet. Then, if you keep trying, and write more, you'll get much better with practice. With enough practice, and some occasional inspiration, you can get good enough to write sonnets that are worthy of publication, if you want to. | ~ |
| Here's another example, to the right, showing only the finished sonnet. It's divided into quatrains, to better show the structure. After going through the above, you can probably see how this sonnet was built up, after starting with simple rhyming phrases: "In a well-I could tell," and etc. |
I dropped a shiny penny in a well, (It sparkled as it sank, I saw it gleam,) A penny made for wishing, I could tell, I don't believe in wishing, but I dream. I closed my eyes, and then I prayed for you - I mean, for someone nice, whom I might meet - A whispered little prayer that might come true, I didn't yell it out, I was discreet. I walked away, and that's the day we met, [Can you fill in this line?] A happy day I never will forget, But there's a thing to you I've never told. A secret that I've never told to any: You're priceless, but you only cost a penny. |
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