Basics of the Sonnet Literary Device 📘
The Sonnet literary device, pronounced as /ˈsɒnɪt/, is a poetic form consisting of 14 lines typically written in iambic pentameter. Sonnets often explore themes of love, beauty, and mortality with a structured rhyme scheme.
How Writers Use the Sonnet Device 🖋️
Writers use Sonnets in various ways to express complex emotions and ideas within a structured framework. Here are the common types of Sonnets along with examples:
| Type of Sonnet | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Shakespearean Sonnet | 14 lines divided into 3 quatrains and a final couplet, with a rhyme scheme of ABAB CDCD EFEF GG. | “Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day?” – William Shakespeare’s Sonnet 18 |
| Petrarchan Sonnet | Divided into an octave (8 lines) and a sestet (6 lines), with a rhyme scheme of ABBAABBA for the octave and various patterns for the sestet. | “How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.” – Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s Sonnet 43 |
| Spenserian Sonnet | Like the Shakespearean sonnet but with linking rhyme between quatrains: ABAB BCBC CDCD EE. | “One day I wrote her name upon the strand” – Edmund Spenser’s Sonnet 75 |
Rules of Sonnet ✍️
Understanding the rules of Sonnet helps writers structure their poems effectively:
| Rule | Description |
|---|---|
| Rule 1: 14 Lines | A Sonnet must consist of exactly 14 lines. |
| Rule 2: Meter | Typically written in iambic pentameter, with 10 syllables per line. |
| Rule 3: Rhyme Scheme | Each type of Sonnet has a specific rhyme scheme that must be followed. |
Examples in Literature, Poetry, Songs, Movies, and Advertising 📚🎶🎬
Sonnet in Literature
| Title | Author | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Sonnet 18 | William Shakespeare | “Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day?” |
| Sonnet 130 | William Shakespeare | “My mistress’ eyes are nothing like the sun;” |
| Sonnet 43 | Elizabeth Barrett Browning | “How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.” |
Watch a classic example of Sonnet in literature here
Sonnet in Poetry
| Poem | Poet | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Holy Sonnets | John Donne | “Death, be not proud, though some have called thee…” |
| Sonnets from the Portuguese | Elizabeth Barrett Browning | “I love thee to the depth and breadth and height…” |
| The Sonnets | Ted Berrigan | “In a dream of Italian Poetry…” |
Explore how Sonnets are used in poetry here
Sonnet in Songs
| Song | Artist | Example |
|---|---|---|
| When You Say Nothing at All | Ronan Keating | “It’s amazing how you can speak right to my heart…” |
| Let It Be | The Beatles | “When I find myself in times of trouble…” |
| Your Song | Elton John | “How wonderful life is while you’re in the world.” |
Listen to examples of Sonnets in songs here
Sonnet in Movies
| Movie | Director | Example |
|---|---|---|
| 10 Things I Hate About You | Gil Junger | The adaptation of Shakespeare’s Sonnet 141 as a poem read by Kat Stratford. |
| Shakespeare in Love | John Madden | Various scenes where Shakespeare’s Sonnets are referenced or alluded to. |
| Bright Star | Jane Campion | The movie depicts the love story of John Keats and Fanny Brawne, including references to Keats’ Sonnets. |
See how Sonnets are portrayed in movies here
Sonnet in Advertising
| Ad Campaign | Brand | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Chanel No. 5 – The One That I Want | Chanel | “You’re the one that I want, ooh ooh ooh.” |
| Google – Year in Search | “Here’s to the human spirit, how it shines despite every obstacle.” | |
| Nike – Find Your Greatness | Nike | “Greatness is not in one special place. It’s wherever somebody is trying to find it.” |
Witness Sonnets in advertising campaigns here
FAQs about Sonnet 🤔
FAQs about Sonnet
Q: What is the difference between a Sonnet and other forms of poetry?
A: Sonnets are distinguished by their specific structure of 14 lines and typically follow strict rhyme and meter patterns, unlike free verse or other forms.
Q: Can Sonnets be written in languages other than English?
A: Yes, Sonnets have been adapted and written in various languages, maintaining similar structural rules but sometimes differing in rhyme scheme and meter.
Related Devices
Q: What are some related literary devices to Sonnet?
A: Devices like ode, villanelle, and ballad share similarities with Sonnet in their structured forms and thematic exploration through poetry.