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Discuss the elements of a sonnet with reference to Shakespeare's "Sonnet No. 29."/ What are the defining features of a sonnet, and how do they manifest in this particular sonnet?

 Discuss the elements of a sonnet with reference to Shakespeare's "Sonnet No. 29."/ What are the defining features of a sonnet, and how do they manifest in this particular sonnet?

(10 marks)



Answer: A sonnet is a 14-line poem traditionally written in iambic pentameter. There are different types of sonnets, but Shakespearean sonnets, named after William Shakespeare, are particularly well-known. The defining features of a Shakespearean sonnet include its structure, rhyme scheme, meter, and thematic development.


Defining Features of a Sonnet:

Structure and Form:

Fourteen Lines: A sonnet typically has fourteen lines. Shakespeare's "Sonnet No. 29" adheres to this standard, with exactly fourteen lines of poetry.

Iambic Pentameter: The poem is written in iambic pentameter, a meter with five pairs of syllables per line, where the first syllable is unstressed and the second is stressed. This rhythmic pattern gives the sonnet a musical quality.

Rhyme Scheme: A Shakespearean sonnet follows the rhyme scheme ABABCDCDEFEFGG. In "Sonnet No. 29," this scheme is clearly evident:

Lines 1 and 3: "eyes" and "cries" (A)

Lines 2 and 4: "state" and "fate" (B)

Lines 5 and 7: "hope" and "scope" (C)

Lines 6 and 8: "possess'd" and "least" (D)

Lines 9 and 11: "despising" and "arising" (E)

Lines 10 and 12: "state" and "gate" (F)

Lines 13 and 14: "brings" and "kings" (G)


Thematic Structure:


Quatrains and Couplet: A Shakespearean sonnet is divided into three quatrains (four-line stanzas) followed by a final rhymed couplet (two-line stanza). Each quatrain typically presents an idea or theme, while the couplet offers a conclusion or resolution.

In "Sonnet No. 29," the first quatrain introduces the speaker's despair over his unfortunate state and his envy of others. The second quatrain continues this theme, detailing the speaker's dissatisfaction and self-loathing. The third quatrain shifts towards a more hopeful tone as the speaker recalls the love he has. The final couplet then resolves the sonnet with the speaker's realization that the love he remembers is so valuable that he would not trade his position, even for that of a king.

Volta (The Turn):

The volta, or turn, is a shift in thought or argument that typically occurs at the beginning of the third quatrain (ninth line) in a Shakespearean sonnet. In "Sonnet No. 29," the volta occurs when the speaker, who has been wallowing in self-pity, suddenly shifts his focus to the thought of a beloved person ("Haply I think on thee"). This thought transforms his outlook, lifting him from despair to a sense of contentment and joy.


Manifestation in "Sonnet No. 29":

In "Sonnet No. 29," Shakespeare masterfully employs the traditional sonnet structure to explore themes of envy, self-doubt, and ultimately, the redemptive power of love. The poem begins with the speaker's lament over his misfortunes and feelings of worthlessness. Through the structured progression of the sonnet, the speaker moves from despair to hope, illustrating the emotional journey within the confines of the sonnet's strict form. The final couplet beautifully encapsulates the theme that love transcends material wealth or social status, providing a powerful and satisfying resolution to the poem.


In conclusion, Shakespeare's "Sonnet No. 29" exemplifies the defining features of a sonnet, including its formal structure, thematic development, and the use of a volta to create a shift in the poem's mood and meaning. Through this traditional form, Shakespeare conveys a universal message about the power of love to overcome life's hardships.


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