The sonnet through time: Introduction to the sonnet

In this lesson, we will look at the history of the sonnet form. We will also start to look at the structure of a sonnet in preparation for the next lesson on the features of a Shakespearean sonnet.

In this lesson, we will learn about some of the features of the Shakespearean sonnet. We will read Shakespeare's 'Sonnet 130' and identify key sonnet features within it, such as the rhyme scheme, the use of quatrains and the overall length of the poem.

In this lesson, we will learn how to recognise iambic pentameter in sonnets. We will continue to use Shakespeare's 'Sonnet 130' as an example.