Final answer:
The claim that William Shakespeare wrote over 300 sonnets is false; he wrote 154 sonnets, known for their specific structure and enduring literary significance.
Step-by-step explanation:
William Shakespeare did not write over 300 sonnets; this statement is false. Shakespeare is renowned for his literary work in the form of plays and poetry. Among his poetic contributions, he penned a total of 154 sonnets, which stand as some of the most significant works in English literature. These sonnets were first published in a 1609 quarto titled 'Shakespeare's Sonnets.' The structure of a Shakespearean sonnet follows a specific rhyme scheme of abab, cdcd, efef, gg and is composed in iambic pentameter. These poems offer insights into themes such as love, beauty, politics, and mortality. Despite their number not reaching over 300, these 154 sonnets nevertheless represent an important collection of Elizabethan poetry and have left an indelible mark on literary history.