A sonnet is a structured form of poetry that typically consists of 14 lines, often written in iambic pentameter, and follows specific rhyme schemes. Analyzing a sonnet involves examining its themes, structure, and language to uncover deeper meanings and appreciate the poet’s craft. Below are three diverse examples of how to analyze a sonnet to enhance your understanding of this beautiful poetic form.
In this example, we’ll analyze one of Shakespeare’s most famous sonnets, often celebrated for its beauty and depth of emotion. When studying this sonnet, consider the context of romantic love and the passage of time. The speaker compares their beloved to a summer’s day, highlighting the positive qualities of the beloved while acknowledging the fleeting nature of beauty.
The poem follows the ABABCDCDEFEFGG rhyme scheme typical of Shakespearean sonnets. The first twelve lines build the argument comparing the beloved to summer, while the final couplet resolves with the idea that the beloved will live on through the poem itself. This exploration of immortality through poetry is a key theme.