How to write a Shakespearean Sonnet

Shakespearean sonnets consist of three quatrains, or groups of 4 lines, and a final couplet, or pair of rhymed lines (Reference eHow). The rhyme structure is A-B-A-B C-D-C-D E-F-E-F G-G (Reference eHow). The key to Shakespeare's sonnets revolve around the use of iambic pentameter (for the purpose of this tutorial I did not follow the rules 100 percent, I just wanted to present the structure).

The rhyme structure for a Shakespearean Sonnet consists of utilizing end rhymes. End rhymes are words that rhyme at the end of a line.

I love hip-hop I have the heart to do it
I grind everyday like Martha Stewart

In order to craft a particular sonnet the sonnet must have a topic. The topic I will use revolves around getting a speeding ticket.

Please forgive me, officer for driving a little fast A
The odometer was broken and I was in a rush B
To top it off, I guess that I am losing cash A
It's snowing outside and I'm driving in slush B

The end rhymes that I used for the first quatrain are fast and cash and rush and slush. This is a simple example to highlight the actual structure of the sonnet.

Officer states that he has to run my plates C
Expired tags, so he takes my ID D
Have to park my car, work, I'll be late C
I'm screaming inside, saying why me D

For the second quatrain I utilized plates and late and ID and why me.

I walk back home, then I forget I left my phone E
In the car, so I walk back and try to find my keys F
I open the door thinking I need a loan E
Got bills stacking and I'm trying to stay at ease F

For the third quatrain I utilized phone and loan and keys and ease. The next two lines will be rhyming couplets and it will conclude this Shakespearean Sonnet.

I think to myself, I really need to visit my dad G
I learned, for everything that is good comes the bad G

And the completed sonnet is available below. This is a simple example of how to write a Shakespearean Sonnet. Share this tutorial if you find it informative.

Please forgive me, officer for driving a little fast A
The odometer was broken and I was in a rush B
To top it off, I guess that I am losing cash A
It's snowing outside and I'm driving in slush B

Officer states that he has to run my plates C
Expired tags, so he takes my ID D
Have to park my car, work, I'll be late C
I'm screaming inside, saying why me D

I walk back home, then I forget I left my phone E
In the car, so I walk back and try to find my keys F
I open the door thinking I need a loan E
Got bills stacking and I'm trying to stay at ease F

I think to myself, I really need to visit my dad G
I learned, for everything that is good comes the bad G