What is a sonnet?

A sonnet is defined as a lyric poem consisting of fourteen lines that typically follows specific rhyme schemes and patterns. This structure is key to the identity of a sonnet, distinguishing it from other forms of poetry. The most recognized types of sonnets are the Shakespearean (or English) sonnet and the Petrarchan (or Italian) sonnet, each with distinct rhyme schemes and thematic elements, but both retain the fundamental characteristic of having fourteen lines. The use of rhyme and meter, particularly iambic pentameter, contributes to the musical quality of the poem, allowing for emotional expression within a constrained format. This structured nature is a defining feature, which sets it apart from other poetic forms.