What is a Shakespearean Sonnet by literary definition?

A Shakespearean sonnet is a specific form of sonnet introduced by the English poet and playwright William Shakespeare in the late 16th century. It consists of 14 lines, typically written in iambic pentameter (a ten-syllable line with a stressed-unstressed rhythm), and follows a specific rhyme scheme.

Here are the key features of a Shakespearean sonnet:

1. Structure: A Shakespearean sonnet is made up of 14 lines, divided into four quatrains (four-line stanzas) and a final rhymed couplet (two-line stanza).

2. Meter: The lines in a Shakespearean sonnet are usually written in iambic pentameter, which means each line consists of ten syllables with a consistent pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables.

3. Rhyme Scheme: The rhyme scheme of a Shakespearean sonnet follows the pattern ABAB CDCD EFEF GG. This pattern is repeated throughout the four quatrains, and the final couplet rhymes with itself (GG).

4. Language and Imagery: Shakespearean sonnets are known for their rich and elaborate language, often employing literary devices such as metaphors, similes, personification, and alliteration. The sonnets often explore themes of love, loss, beauty, mortality, time, and the power of language itself.

5. Shift in Tone or Perspective: Around the second quatrain (line 5), there is often a shift in tone, perspective, or subject matter. This shift is often referred to as the "turn" or "volta" of the sonnet and usually introduces a new idea, insight, or resolution related to the sonnet's central theme.

6. Couplet: The final rhymed couplet provides a concluding thought, reflection, or resolution to the themes and ideas presented throughout the sonnet.

Shakespeare's sonnets are widely considered some of the greatest examples of poetry in English literature, admired for their artistry, emotional depth, and profound exploration of universal human experiences.