Writing a sonnet can be a delightful challenge, but it’s easy to stumble into some common pitfalls along the way. Below, we’ll explore three diverse examples of common mistakes in writing sonnets to help you refine your craft and create beautiful poetry.
A sonnet typically follows a specific rhyme scheme, and neglecting this can lead to a poem that feels incomplete or disjointed. This mistake often happens when a writer is so focused on their theme that they overlook the structure.
Many beginners may not know that a Shakespearean sonnet, for instance, adheres to the ABABCDCDEFEFGG rhyme scheme. Failing to maintain this can diminish the sonnet’s effectiveness.
Mistake: The writer writes a sonnet without adhering to the rhyme scheme.
Example:
When the sun sets in the distant sky (A)
The stars will shine, a silver light (B)
And whispers of the night wind sigh (A)
While shadows dance in soft twilight. (B)
The heart will always seek to find (C)
A love that’s true, a bond so rare (D)
Yet in this search, we may be blind (C)
To moments fleeting, lost in air. (D)
A tender touch, a gentle gaze (E)
Can spark a flame that lights the dark (F)
But often we are caught in haze (E)
And fail to see the glowing spark. (F)
In this poem, the rhyme scheme is inconsistent and does not follow the traditional structure of a sonnet, creating confusion and disrupting the flow.
To fix this, the writer should ensure their rhyme scheme aligns with the type of sonnet they are attempting to write. Keeping a checklist of the rhyme scheme while writing can help maintain focus on structure.
Sonnets are traditionally written in iambic pentameter, which means each line typically contains ten syllables with a specific rhythm. Ignoring this can result in a poem that feels awkward and unpoetic.
Many new poets might overlook the importance of meter while focusing on the content of their sonnet.
Mistake: The writer disregards the iambic pentameter, creating an uneven rhythm.
Example:
The sky is blue and full of shining stars
When I do think of love, it makes me smile
Through endless nights and many distant cars
The memories we made, they stretch a mile.
In this example, the lines vary in syllable count and rhythm, making it difficult to read smoothly. For instance, the first line has 9 syllables and the second has 12.
To improve this, count the syllables in each line and adjust accordingly. Reading the lines aloud can also help identify where the rhythm falters, allowing for a smoother, more musical quality.
A successful sonnet often conveys a singular theme or idea. Introducing unrelated themes can confuse readers and detract from the overall impact of the poem. This mistake often occurs when a poet tries to cover too much ground in a limited space.
Mistake: The writer strays from the main theme, diluting the poem’s message.
Example:
Upon the dawn of love with skies so bright (A)
I ponder life and all its twists and turns (B)
The ocean’s waves and how they dance with light (A)
In history, the countless lessons learned. (B)
Yet love is sweet, like honey on the tongue (C)
And takes us to the farthest shores we seek (D)
But what of stars and how the night is young? (C)
The world is vast, the future seems so bleak. (D)
In this sonnet, the writer begins with a focus on love but quickly diverges into themes of history, the ocean, and the universe, making the poem feel scattered and unfocused.
To enhance clarity, focus on a single theme throughout the sonnet. Brainstorming before writing can help solidify the main idea and guide the content of each line. Remember, a tight, cohesive focus enhances the emotional impact of the poem.