Sonnet Poems

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

TitleAuthorType of Poem
On The Bicentenary of CorneilleAlgernon Charles SwinburneSonnet
On the Cliffs, NewportAlan SeegerSonnet
On the Death of Colonel BensonAlgernon Charles SwinburneSonnet
On The Death Of Richard DoyleAlgernon Charles SwinburneSonnet
On the Death of Richard WestThomas GraySonnet
On the Death of Sir Henry TaylorAlgernon Charles SwinburneSonnet
On the Deaths of Thomas Carlyle - SonnetsAlgernon Charles SwinburneSonnet
On the Grasshopper and CricketJohn KeatsSonnet
On The HilltopMadison Julius CaweinSonnet
On the Late Massacre in PiedmontJohn MiltonSonnet

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.