1. William Shakespeare's "Sonnet 18":
Opening line: "Shall I compare thee to a summer's day?"
This beloved Shakespearean sonnet compares the beloved to a beautiful summer day, highlighting their enduring qualities and surpassing beauty.
2. Elizabeth Barrett Browning's "How Do I Love Thee?":
Opening line: "How do I love thee? Let me count the ways."
In this sonnet, Browning eloquently explores the multitude of ways in which she loves her beloved, expressing the depth and complexity of her emotions.
3. John Milton's "When I Consider How My Light is Spent":
Opening line: "When I consider how my light is spent."
Milton's sonnet reflects on his blindness and lost opportunities, expressing both frustration and resignation while exploring the theme of mortality and the human condition.
These sonnets stand out for their enduring popularity and their ability to resonate with readers across generations, exploring universal themes of love, loss, beauty, and the human experience.