Definition & Meaning of "shakespearean sonnet"

What is "Shakespearean sonnet"?

A Shakespearean sonnet is a specific type of sonnet that consists of fourteen lines written in iambic pentameter. It is structured with three quatrains followed by a rhymed couplet, typically following the rhyme scheme ABABCDCDEFEFGG. This structure allows for the development of a theme or argument, often culminating in a conclusion or twist in the final couplet. Shakespearean sonnets frequently explore themes of love, beauty, and the passage of time, using rich imagery and language to convey deep emotions. The form's combination of structure and lyrical quality enables poets to express complex ideas in a concise and impactful way.