Sonnet 29

1
The Sonnet Literary Focus Shakespearean Sonnet
A sonnet is a fourteen-line lyric poem, usually
about love.
The English, or Shakespearean, sonnet consists of
three quatrains (rhyming four-line units)
followed by a couplet (a pair of rhyming lines)
at the end.

• The three quatrains often express related ideas.

• The couplet sums up the poets message.

2
The Sonnet Literary Focus Shakespearean Sonnet
Like most sonnets, the Shakespearean sonnet is
written in a particular meter, or rhythmic
pattern, called iambic pentameter
Each line consists of five unstressed syllables
alternating with five stressed syllables.
3
The Sonnet Literary Focus Shakespearean Sonnet
The typical rhyme scheme of a Shakespearean
sonnet is abab cdcd efef gg.
First quatrain
a
b
a
b
4
The Sonnet Background
Shakespeares greatest nondramatic poetry is in a
group of 154 sonnets. These sonnets

• have a vast richness of language and imagery

• show an unusual depth of perception and feeling

• extend beyond the conventional subject of love to
  a contemplation of the beauty of life and the
  mortality of man

5
The Sonnet Background
In his first 126 sonnets, Shakespeare celebrates
his devoted friendship with a young man.
He considers this relationship higher and less
selfish than his passionate love for the dark
lady who is the subject of the remaining 28
sonnets.
End of Section
6
The Sonnet Literary Focus Shakespearean Sonnet
As you read your assigned sonnet, notice

• where each quatrain begins and ends

• which words rhyme in the quatrains

• how the couplet is used to sum up the message

Click here to listen to the entire sonnet.
End of Section