Final answer:
Sonnets are structured in 14 lines with a specific rhyme scheme, exploring themes like love or nature, while haikus follow a 5-7-5 syllable structure, capturing moments and contrasting images. Each form has unique structural features that contribute to the poem's meaning.
Step-by-step explanation:
Comparing Sonnet and Haiku Poetic Forms
When discussing the structure of two types of poems, sonnets and haikus present interesting contrasts. A sonnet typically consists of 14 lines that usually adhere to a specific rhyme scheme such as ABAB CDCD EFEF GG in the case of the Shakespearean sonnet, and it often explores themes of love or nature. For example, in Shakespeare's 'Sonnet 18,' lines follow this precise rhyme scheme while dissecting the idea of eternal beauty.
In contrast, a haiku comprises a total of 17 syllables distributed across three lines in a 5-7-5 pattern. This form of poetry, originating in Japan, captures brief moments in time and often juxtaposes two images or ideas. An example of haiku could be Matsuo Basho's 'An old silent pond / A frog jumps into the pond— / Splash! Silence again.'
Both types of poetry have unique structural features: sonnets with their methodical rhyme schemes and meter, while haikus with their succinct syllable count and focus on imagery. Understanding these differences helps illuminate the mechanics of poetry and the emphasis placed on word choice, line structure, and sound patterns such as meter and rhyme, which all contribute to the overall meaning of the poem.