Sonnet Poems

“Fourteen lines of turn and tension—argument shaped in rhyme and meter.”

TitleAuthorType of Poem
On No Work of WordsDylan ThomasSonnet
On Old Cape AnnMadison Julius CaweinSonnet
On Resigning A Scholarship Of Trinity College, Oxford, And Retiring To A Country CuracyWilliam Lisle BowlesSonnet
On Seeing Mrs. ** Perform In The Character Of ****Oliver GoldsmithSonnet
On Seeing The Diabutsu - At Kamakura, JapanElla Wheeler WilcoxSonnet
On Seeing the Elgin MarblesJohn KeatsSonnet
On Seeing The House Of Julia At HerculaneumElla Wheeler WilcoxSonnet
On The Bicentenary of CorneilleAlgernon Charles SwinburneSonnet
On the Cliffs, NewportAlan SeegerSonnet
On the Death of Colonel BensonAlgernon Charles SwinburneSonnet

Understanding the Sonnet

The sonnet is one of the most enduring and celebrated forms of poetry, known for its strict structure and profound themes. With a history spanning centuries, sonnets have been used to explore love, beauty, politics, and mortality, all within the confines of just 14 lines.

Sonnets are characterized by their precise form and rhyme scheme, which vary depending on the type of sonnet. Here’s a closer look:

  • Shakespearean (English) Sonnet: Composed of three quatrains followed by a final couplet, with a rhyme scheme of ABABCDCDEFEFGG. This form often builds a complex argument or narrative, culminating in a powerful closing statement.
  • Petrarchan (Italian) Sonnet: Divided into an octave (eight lines) and a sestet (six lines), with a typical rhyme scheme of ABBAABBA for the octave, followed by various patterns in the sestet such as CDECDE or CDCDCD. The octave usually presents a problem, with the sestet providing a resolution.
  • Meter: Sonnets are traditionally written in iambic pentameter, which gives the poem a rhythmic and melodic quality that enhances its emotional impact.

The sonnet’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to condense complex emotions and ideas into a small but potent package, making it a favorite form for poets seeking to explore profound themes with precision and elegance.