Limerick vs. Sonnet — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Urooj Arif — Updated on May 2, 2024
Limericks are five-line poems with a distinct AABBA rhyme scheme, known for their humorous and often ribald nature, whereas sonnets consist of 14 lines and adhere to intricate rhyme schemes, typically exploring themes of love, nature, or philosophy.
Difference Between Limerick and Sonnet
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Limericks are short, five-line poems that often feature a whimsical and humorous tone, using a strict AABBA rhyme scheme to create a punchy, memorable effect. In contrast, sonnets, which are much longer at 14 lines, traditionally explore more serious themes such as love, death, and beauty, employing complex structures like the Shakespearean or Petrarchan forms to deepen emotional expression.
Limericks are noted for their strict metrical pattern, which typically consists of anapestic or amphibrachic meter with a 9-9-6-6-9 syllable structure, lending a sing-song quality that enhances their comedic impact. On the other hand, sonnets often use iambic pentameter, which gives them a rhythmic but elevated tone suitable for profound contemplation and high art.
The limerick's simple and playful form makes it accessible and easily crafted for quick laughs or whimsical stories, often containing a twist or a punchline in the final line. Meanwhile, the sonnet requires meticulous word choice and syntactic control to meet its structural demands, such as the volta, or turn, which introduces a shift in thought or emotion.
In the realm of themes, limericks are generally light-hearted, occasionally veering into nonsensical or even off-color territories. This contrasts sharply with sonnets that are revered for their ability to convey deep and enduring truths about the human condition through elegant and measured language.
Limericks are predominantly an English language form, having been popularized in the 19th century by Edward Lear, and remain a favorite for writers looking to entertain. Sonnets, originating in 13th-century Italy and perfected by poets like Shakespeare and Petrarch, have a broader linguistic and cultural footprint, influencing a vast range of literature across Europe and beyond.
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Comparison Chart
Line Count
5 lines
14 lines
Rhyme Scheme
AABBA
Various (e.g., ABBAABBA CDECDE or ABABCDCDEFEFGG)
Theme
Humor, nonsense
Love, nature, philosophy
Rhythm and Meter
Anapestic or amphibrachic meter
Iambic pentameter
Cultural Origin
English, popularized in the 19th century
Italian, 13th century
Compare with Definitions
Limerick
A humorous, often bawdy, verse of three long and two short lines rhyming AABBA.
There once was a man from Nantucket.
Sonnet
A poem of 14 lines using any of several rhyme schemes, typically having 10 syllables per line.
His latest sonnet explored the theme of lost love.
Limerick
A form of poetry often used for witty, humorous, and sometimes obscene verses.
He wrote a sharp limerick that made everyone chuckle.
Sonnet
A form of poetry known for its expression of emotion.
She read a sonnet that perfectly captured the sorrow of departure.
Limerick
A type of poem known for its rhythm and simple form.
The poet penned a limerick that danced off the tongue.
Sonnet
A structured poetic form used extensively during the Renaissance.
Shakespeare’s sonnets are among the most celebrated in English literature.
Limerick
A verse form used primarily for comedic effect.
They exchanged limericks at the party, each more amusing than the last.
Sonnet
A lyrical poem structured to present a single argument or sentiment.
The sonnet began with a lament and ended with acceptance.
Limerick
A light or humorous poem with a strict rhyme scheme.
Her favorite limerick involved a quick-witted cat.
Sonnet
A versatile poetic form that accommodates a wide range of themes.
Her sonnet series covered everything from politics to personal grief.
Limerick
Limerick ( LIM-ər-ik; Irish: Luimneach [ˈl̪ˠɪmʲ(ə)nʲəx]) is a western city in Ireland situated within County Limerick. It is in the province of Munster and is located in the Mid-West which comprises part of the Southern Region.
Sonnet
A sonnet is a poetic form which originated in the Italian poetry composed at the Court of the Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II in Palermo, Sicily. The 13th-century poet and notary Giacomo da Lentini is credited with the sonnet's invention for expressing courtly love.
Limerick
A light humorous, nonsensical, or bawdy verse of five usually anapestic lines with the rhyme scheme aabba, in which the first, second, and fifth lines are in trimeter, and the third and fourth lines are in dimeter.
Sonnet
A 14-line verse form often in iambic pentameter, having one of several conventional rhyme schemes and usually featuring a shift in mood or tone after the eighth or twelfth line.
Limerick
A humorous, often bawdy verse of five anapaestic lines, with the rhyme scheme aabba, and typically having an 8–8–5–5–8 cadence.
Sonnet
A poem in this form.
Limerick
A humorous, often nonsensical, and sometimes risqé poem of five anapestic lines, of which lines 1, 2, and 5 are of three feet, and rhyme, and lines 3 and 4 are of two feet, and rhyme.
There was a young lady, Amanda,Whose Ballades Lyriques were quite fin deSiècle, I deemBut her Journal IntimeWas what sent her papa to Uganda.
Sonnet
A fixed verse form of Italian origin consisting of fourteen lines that are typically five-foot iambics and rhyme according to one of a few prescribed schemes.
Limerick
Port city in southwestern Ireland
Sonnet
(intransitive) To compose sonnets.
Limerick
A humorous verse form of 5 anapestic lines with a rhyme scheme aabba
Sonnet
(transitive) To celebrate in sonnets; to write a sonnet about.
Sonnet
A short poem, - usually amatory.
He had a wonderful desire to chant a sonnet or hymn unto Apollo Pythius.
Sonnet
A poem of fourteen lines, - two stanzas, called the octave, being of four verses each, and two stanzas, called the sestet, of three verses each, the rhymes being adjusted by a particular rule.
Sonnet
To compose sonnets.
Sonnet
A verse form consisting of 14 lines with a fixed rhyme scheme
Sonnet
Praise in a sonnet
Sonnet
Compose a sonnet
Common Curiosities
How many lines does a limerick have compared to a sonnet?
A limerick has 5 lines, while a sonnet has 14 lines.
What is a limerick?
A limerick is a short, humorous poem consisting of five lines with an AABBA rhyme scheme.
What is a sonnet?
A sonnet is a 14-line poem with a specific rhyme scheme and structure, often exploring profound themes.
What are the most common themes of sonnets?
Sonnets often explore themes like love, mortality, nature, and existential reflections.
Can a limerick be serious?
While typically humorous, limericks can occasionally be used for more serious or thoughtful reflections, though this is less common.
What is the historical origin of limericks?
Limericks gained popularity in the early 18th century in England, although their exact origin is unclear.
How does the structure of a sonnet affect its content?
The structure of a sonnet, particularly the placement of the volta or turn, is crucial in building towards a dramatic shift in tone, perspective, or argument.
What is the volta in a sonnet?
The volta is a rhetorical shift or dramatic change in thought and emotion, typically occurring between the octave and sestet in a sonnet.
What is the purpose of a limerick's rhyme scheme?
The AABBA rhyme scheme in limericks helps create a rhythmic and catchy sound, making the poem more memorable and entertaining.
Why are sonnets considered high art?
Sonnets are viewed as high art due to their complex structure, elegant form, and the deep thematic content they often explore.
Are limericks used in modern literature?
Limericks are often used in modern literature for humor and entertainment, especially in children's books.
Who are some famous sonnet writers?
Notable sonnet writers include William Shakespeare, Petrarch, and Elizabeth Barrett Browning.
How flexible is the limerick form in terms of rhythm?
The limerick's rhythm is fairly flexible within its anapestic or amphibrachic meter, accommodating variations in stress patterns for comedic effect.
How has the sonnet form evolved over time?
The sonnet has evolved through various movements and cultures, adapting to different languages and thematic concerns while maintaining its distinctive structure.
Can anyone write a limerick or sonnet?
Yes, anyone can write a limerick or sonnet, but mastering the specific poetic forms and their nuances takes practice and understanding of their respective rules and traditions.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
