1. SHAKESPEARIAN SONNETS Structure and Iambic Pentameter

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. Structure Flow Chart 14 lines 1 st 12 divide into 3 quatrains Quatrains establish theme 4 lines per quatrain Final 2 lines make a couplet Couplet resolves theme