Sonnet: Writing and Critique It

Introduction

A sonnet is a 14-line poem in a specific form. It often adheres to set rhyme and meter patterns. Sonnets provide a structured framework for expressing complex ideas and emotions succinctly in poetry.

How to Create a Sonnet

Creating a sonnet can be a challenging but rewarding exercise in poetic expression. Here are some steps you can follow to create your own sonnet:

Step	Detail	Practical Example
a) Choose a Topic or Theme	– Brainstorm ideas or emotions for the sonnet.	Reflect on the sleek design and innovation of the iPhone 14, inspiring a theme of technological marvel.
	– Consider personal experiences, historical events, nature, love, or any other subject that inspires you.	Choose to focus on the personal connection people have with their iPhones and how it’s become an integral part of modern life.
b) Choose a Sonnet Form	– Decide between Petrarchan or Shakespearean sonnet.	Opt for the Shakespearean sonnet form due to its familiarity and versatility.
	– Understand the structure and characteristics of the chosen form.	Study the 14-line structure with three quatrains and a final rhymed couplet.
c) Choose a Rhyme Scheme and Meter	– Select the Shakespearean rhyme scheme (ABABCDCDEFEFGG).	Use this scheme to create a balanced and flowing sound.
	– Choose iambic pentameter for the meter.	Maintain ten syllables per line with alternating stressed and unstressed beats.
d) Write a Draft	– Begin with the first quatrain, introducing the iPhone 14 theme.	“In pockets sleek, the future’s touch I hold,”
	– Follow the chosen rhyme scheme and meter.	“A screen that glows with stories yet untold,”
	– Develop thoughts and emotions in subsequent quatrains and the final couplet.	“With every swipe, a world of dreams unfolds,”
	– Maintain logical flow throughout the sonnet.	“In circuits and pixels, life’s secrets are scrolled.”
e) Revise and Edit	– Review for clarity, coherence, and emotional impact.	Ensure that the sonnet conveys a sense of wonder and admiration for the iPhone 14.
	– Check for grammatical errors, spelling mistakes, and phrasing.	Edit for precise language and correct any typos.
	– Enhance rhythm and rhyme where necessary.	Adjust lines to maintain the iambic pentameter and improve the rhyme.
	– Seek feedback for a fresh perspective.	Share the draft with a friend or writing group to gather input.
f) Practice Reading and Reciting	– Read the sonnet aloud to assess rhythm and wording.	Listen for any awkward or jarring sounds in the sonnet’s delivery.
	– Practice delivery to convey emotions effectively.	Experiment with different tones to capture the essence of the iPhone 14 theme.
	– Consider memorization for recitation.	Memorize the sonnet if planning to recite it publicly for a polished performance.
g) Share Your Sonnet	– Decide where and how to share the sonnet.	Choose to publish it on a personal blog dedicated to poetry and technology.
	– Consider the audience and context when sharing.	Tailor the introduction to explain the inspiration behind the sonnet for readers interested in tech and poetry.
	– Be open to feedback for improvement.	Encourage comments and reactions to gather insights and refine your sonnet-writing skills.

NOTE: You can also create a good sonnet by giving a specific theme, form, rhyme scheme, and diction to ChatGPT and then change it according to your requirements. However, it must be kept in mind that you should do good editing afterward to make it readable.

Sonnet and Literary Theory

Literary Theory	Interpretation of a Sonnet	Example
Formalism Literary Theory	This literary theory focuses on the inherent literary elements and structure of the text.	It analyzes rhyme scheme, meter, and use of poetic devices such as alliteration and metaphor to understand its aesthetic qualities and how they contribute to meaning.
Marxist Literary Theory	This literary theory explores social and economic power dynamics within the text.	It critiques the sonnet as a reflection of class struggle, with the poet’s language and imagery conveying the oppression of the working class or critiquing the bourgeoisie.
Feminist Literary Theory	This literary theory examines gender roles, representation, and power relations in literature.	It analyzes the sonnet from a feminist perspective, focusing on how it portrays women, their agency, and the patriarchal structures or gender stereotypes it may reinforce or challenge.
Psychoanalytic Literary Theory	This literary theory looks at the unconscious desires and motivations of characters and authors.	It interprets the sonnet by examining the poet’s use of symbolism and imagery to uncover repressed emotions or psychological conflicts that might be reflected in the poem’s content.
Postcolonial Literary Theory	This literary theory investigates the effects of colonialism and imperialism in literary works.	It critiques the sonnet through the lens of postcolonial theory, exploring how it addresses issues of cultural identity, resistance, or the legacy of colonial domination and its impact.
Reader-Response Literary Theory	This literary theory focuses on the reader’s individual interpretation and response to the text.	It interprets the sonnet by considering how different readers might engage with it, interpreting its meaning based on their personal experiences, cultural background, and subjective responses.

Suggested Readings

1. Burt, Stephen. The Forms of Youth: Twentieth-Century Poetry and Adolescence. Columbia UP, 2007.
2. Don Paterson. Reading Shakespeare’s Sonnets: A New Commentary. Faber & Faber, 2010.
3. Vendler, Helen. The Art of Shakespeare’s Sonnets. Belknap Press, 1997.
4. Wordsworth, William. The Major Works. Edited by Stephen Gill, Oxford UP, 2000.