Question

Which of these is a common rhyme scheme and length of a Sonnet?

abab cdcd efefef gggg, 16 lines
abba abba cdcdee, 14 lines
abab cdcd efef, 12 lines
abba cddc effe gg, 16 lines

Answer 1

The common rhyme scheme and length for a Sonnet is 14 lines following the pattern abba abba cdcdee in a Petrarchan sonnet form, with variations like the Shakespearean (abab cdcd efef gg) and Spenserian (abab bcbc cdcd ee) also being popular.

Step-by-step explanation:

The common rhyme scheme and length of a Sonnet is abba abba cdcdee, consisting of 14 lines. Specifically, this is the Italian or Petrarchan sonnet form, which is divided into an octave (eight lines) and a sestet (six lines) with a specified rhyme scheme. The Shakespearean sonnet, on the other hand, also contains 14 lines but follows a different rhyme scheme of abab cdcd efef gg. The Spenserian sonnet also consists of 14 lines and modifies the Petrarchan form to use the rhyme scheme abab bcbc cdcd ee. Each of these forms traditionally uses iambic pentameter and contains a volta or turn in thought, often indicated by the words 'but' or 'yet'.