SHAKESPEARIAN SONNETS

Structure and Iambic Pentameter

• Shakespeare's sonnets are written predominantly in a meter called iambic pentameter, a rhyme scheme in which each sonnet line consists of ten syllables

• The syllables are divided into five pairs called iambs or iambic feet.

• An iamb is a unit made up of one unstressed syllable followed by one stressed syllable

IAMBIC PENTAMETER

Iambic Pentameter Flow Chart

14 lines

Each line is 10 syllables

Each line consists of 5 pairs (called iambic feet or iambs)

Each pair or iamb has one unstressed syllable then 1 stressed syllable

An example of an iamb would be good BYE.

A line of iambic pentameter flows like this:

baBOOM / baBOOM / baBOOM / baBOOM / baBOOM.

Example: When I do count the clock that tells the time (Sonnet 12)

When I / do COUNT / the CLOCK / that TELLS / the TIME

SONNET STRUCTURE

• Shakespeare’s sonnets are typically 14 lines long.

• The first 12 lines are separated into 3 quatrains that establish the theme.

• There are 4 lines in every quatrain.

• The final two lines are a couplet that usually resolve the theme.

• The follow the rhyme pattern: abab cdcd efef gg

Structure Flow Chart

14 lines

1st 12 divide into 3 quatrains

Quatrains establish

theme

4 lines per quatrain

Final 2 lines make a couplet

Couplet resolves theme