The Common Sonnet - How To
A brief explanation of how to construct a sonnet27 total reviews
Comment from Joy Graham
Okay, I'm starting off with a groan because I find sonnets difficult and confusing and this post is sooooo long, and I'm soooooo lazy. But, if you can sound so enthusiastic about helping me cross this barrier, I will read and give it a try to understand.
I have made notes, my dear friend. I like your outline and description of each stanza. I love enjambment, internal rhyme, and alliteration. I love the rhyme scheme. I love iambic tetrameter but am open to try pentameter. This is going to be fun.
Okay, you have impressed me! I love the sonnet you created for this lesson. You make it look easy. I will think about it for a while and hope to post a sonnet soon.
I originally gave this post a five star rating. However, it got much better the more I read. So, a six star rating has been awarded from the Canadian reviewer, Joy :)
reply by the author on 17-Sep-2013
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Okay, I'm starting off with a groan because I find sonnets difficult and confusing and this post is sooooo long, and I'm soooooo lazy. But, if you can sound so enthusiastic about helping me cross this barrier, I will read and give it a try to understand.
I have made notes, my dear friend. I like your outline and description of each stanza. I love enjambment, internal rhyme, and alliteration. I love the rhyme scheme. I love iambic tetrameter but am open to try pentameter. This is going to be fun.
Okay, you have impressed me! I love the sonnet you created for this lesson. You make it look easy. I will think about it for a while and hope to post a sonnet soon.
I originally gave this post a five star rating. However, it got much better the more I read. So, a six star rating has been awarded from the Canadian reviewer, Joy :)
Comment Written 16-Sep-2013
reply by the author on 17-Sep-2013
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Thanks so much, Joy :-). It's that last section - building one up a line at a time - that's most key, and the part I was most nervous about. I hope my thoughts have helped, and I'm more than happy to help if you need it. If you can do the meter (and I know you can), you can write a sonnet.
Mike
Comment from lindalcreel
This was an amazing breakdown for those of us who have never taken the time to write a sonnet. But I think it's very much like a query letter. I think the same rules that you discussed can be applied to all types of writing. There is a method, if we take the time to follow it. This was very helpful, especially to those of us who have had no formal writing training. Thank you so much for sharing. When I get some free time. lol. I may apply this and see what I come up with.
reply by the author on 16-Sep-2013
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This was an amazing breakdown for those of us who have never taken the time to write a sonnet. But I think it's very much like a query letter. I think the same rules that you discussed can be applied to all types of writing. There is a method, if we take the time to follow it. This was very helpful, especially to those of us who have had no formal writing training. Thank you so much for sharing. When I get some free time. lol. I may apply this and see what I come up with.
Comment Written 16-Sep-2013
reply by the author on 16-Sep-2013
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Thank you, Linda :-). I don't believe in formal training for writing - it's too much of an art form for that. Of course, hints and tips are always a good thing! I used to hate writing in forms (to me, poetry is about expression and shouldn't be constrained) but certain styles have really grown on me. I came to realise restriction often feeds creativity, and the sonnet in particular has helped me create some of my favourite pieces.
lol, just realised I'm rambling! Sorry about that. I'm really glad you liked the article.
Mike
PS: Any tips on writing query letters are GREATLY appreciated. They are the bane of my life right now.
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they are the bane of everyone's existence. Check out Janet Reid's query shark and be sure to go through the archives. She helps new writers transform their query into pieces of art.
Comment from joneau2
No doubt you know what you're talking about, but to be honest ... it's all Greek to me. "Demystify?" Really! There are much simpler things to enjoy in life, and writing a sonnet correctly is not one of them.
Oh, caught a SPAG up front. "over you sonnet..." Believe you meant your.
reply by the author on 16-Sep-2013
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No doubt you know what you're talking about, but to be honest ... it's all Greek to me. "Demystify?" Really! There are much simpler things to enjoy in life, and writing a sonnet correctly is not one of them.
Oh, caught a SPAG up front. "over you sonnet..." Believe you meant your.
Comment Written 16-Sep-2013
reply by the author on 16-Sep-2013
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lol, thanks, Jon. Who can argue with that? The main thing is to have fun, whatever we're writing. Thanks for the typo catch - much appreciated.
Mike
Comment from adewpearl
typo - semantics over YOU sonnet constructions
You explain things in an easy-to-understand manner
I like your use of illustrative examples
For those folks who don't take my class, I hope this results in some improved sonnet contest entries :-) Brooke
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reply by the author on 16-Sep-2013
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typo - semantics over YOU sonnet constructions
You explain things in an easy-to-understand manner
I like your use of illustrative examples
For those folks who don't take my class, I hope this results in some improved sonnet contest entries :-) Brooke
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The highest and the lowest rating are not included in calculations.
Comment Written 16-Sep-2013
reply by the author on 16-Sep-2013
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Thanks for the catch, Brooke - duly fixed. I hope I'm not treading on your toes? I didn't realise you were doing a related class.
Mike
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Lots of people can't afford the classes even though they would like to, so it isn't treading on my toes.
Comment from Rondeno
Three quatrains and a couplet is only one emanation. Personally, I prefer octet (descriptive) and sestet (reflective). you tend towards the didactic, a little.
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reply by the author on 16-Sep-2013
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Three quatrains and a couplet is only one emanation. Personally, I prefer octet (descriptive) and sestet (reflective). you tend towards the didactic, a little.
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Comment Written 16-Sep-2013
reply by the author on 16-Sep-2013
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Thanks, Rondeno. Indeed, I explain many variations during the article, including that very example. The sonnet's variety is one of it's greatest boons. That's why 4442 as the common sonnet - ie most widely recognised but by no means exclusive.
I'm thinking you read a short way through, got indignant, and stopped reading. Understandable but a little disappointing.
Apologies if it felt too didactic. It is a teaching tool, and aimed at those who want to know, so I didn't think it was a problem.
Mike
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You're right. That's what happened. I apologize. I know Americans like to be told what's what, but we Europeans (some of us sonneteers) have a different approach.
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That's cool, no probs. I similarly object to being dictated to (it's definitely an English/European trait).
Comment from jadapenn
Hi Mike, I really do appreciate this very informative article on sonnets. They are the bain of my life. I am no poet, but I am keen to learn. You scare me stiff with metered poems though, so I think jada must start off with trying to understand that aspect. :) I have copied this good advice - to study, and hope you don't mind. luv jada
reply by the author on 17-Sep-2013
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Hi Mike, I really do appreciate this very informative article on sonnets. They are the bain of my life. I am no poet, but I am keen to learn. You scare me stiff with metered poems though, so I think jada must start off with trying to understand that aspect. :) I have copied this good advice - to study, and hope you don't mind. luv jada
Comment Written 16-Sep-2013
reply by the author on 17-Sep-2013
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I think Jada is very capable of writing stunning sonnets ;-). The meter is the key, so hopefully the other article I wrote on iambic meter is also helpful. I just hope my thoughts are helpful to you, and I'm more than happy to help further if you need it.
Mike
Comment from STEPHEN A CARTER
You have had the desired effect...in effect I'm going to stay as far away from any sonnet as long as you are alive to review it. How can one be so blessed as to not screw it up other than Shakespeare? Even he, the illustrious poet has been falsely accused of being none other than Roger Bacon. Well said and for the TIME, EFFORT and RESEARCH spent, an excellent thesis indeed.
Regards:
reply by the author on 17-Sep-2013
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You have had the desired effect...in effect I'm going to stay as far away from any sonnet as long as you are alive to review it. How can one be so blessed as to not screw it up other than Shakespeare? Even he, the illustrious poet has been falsely accused of being none other than Roger Bacon. Well said and for the TIME, EFFORT and RESEARCH spent, an excellent thesis indeed.
Regards:
Comment Written 16-Sep-2013
reply by the author on 17-Sep-2013
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Thanks again, Stephen. I hope I don't put too many people off - it's really a great form for making one's poetic thoughts shine as brightly as they can. Thanks for putting a smile on my face with your great review :-).
Mike