Sonnet vs. Poem — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Urooj Arif — Updated on May 14, 2024
A sonnet is a specific type of poem consisting of 14 lines with a fixed rhyme scheme and meter, often expressing an emotion or idea; a poem is a broader category of literary expression, varying in form, length, and style.
Difference Between Sonnet and Poem
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A sonnet is a specialized form of poetry that adheres to precise structural requirements, including 14 lines and a specific rhyme scheme, such as the Shakespearean ABAB CDCD EFEF GG. It traditionally follows a strict meter, usually iambic pentameter, and is known for its expressive and rhythmic qualities. Whereas, a poem is a more general term that encompasses all types of poetic works, ranging from short haikus to lengthy free verse narratives, with varying meters, forms, and themes.
The sonnet often features a turn or "volta," typically occurring between the eighth and ninth lines, where the theme or mood of the poem shifts. This structural element is crucial for providing surprise or insight within the poem's short format. On the other hand, poems do not have a standard place or requirement for shifts in theme or mood and can be structured in numerous ways depending on the poet's intent and the poem's form.
Sonnets are historically associated with high artistic expression, often tackling profound themes such as love, death, and beauty. They require the poet to work within a constrained format, which can lead to intense and lyrical expressions of emotion. In contrast, poems cover a broader spectrum of subjects and tones, from the mundane to the extraordinary, often reflecting the personal voice and style of the poet without the stringent structural constraints found in sonnets.
Due to its fixed structure, writing a sonnet can be a challenging exercise in precision and creativity within set boundaries. It tests the poet's ability to convey complex thoughts and emotions in a limited format. Poems, however, offer more flexibility, allowing the poet to experiment with layout, rhyme (or lack thereof), rhythm, and length, providing a vast canvas for expression.
While sonnets have played a significant role in the history of literature, with notable contributions from figures like Shakespeare and Petrarch, poems have an even broader historical and cultural range, encompassing everything from ancient epic narratives to contemporary experimental works, reflecting the diversity and evolution of literary styles and forms over centuries.
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Comparison Chart
Structure
14 lines, fixed rhyme scheme, meter
Variable length, form, and style
Rhyme and Meter
Typically strict (e.g., iambic pentameter)
Varies widely, often unstructured
Theme Shift
Often includes a volta
May or may not have thematic shifts
Expression
High, within constraints
Broad, ranging from subtle to complex
Historical Role
Prominent in Western literature
Universal across cultures and ages
Compare with Definitions
Sonnet
Traditionally uses iambic pentameter.
Each line of a sonnet typically has ten syllables.
Poem
May use various lengths and formats.
Haikus are poems with just three lines.
Sonnet
Contains a volta, or shift in thought.
The volta in Sonnet 18 shifts from praising the beloved's beauty to immortalizing it in verse.
Poem
A literary work in which the expression of feelings and ideas is given intensity by the use of distinctive style and rhythm.
Maya Angelou’s poems explore themes of identity, struggle, and liberation.
Sonnet
A 14-line poem with a specific rhyme scheme.
Shakespeare’s sonnets are often studied for their artistic form and depth.
Poem
Can be structured or free form.
Free verse poems do not adhere to traditional rhyme schemes.
Sonnet
Requires adherence to formal constraints.
Writing a sonnet involves creatively working within its structural rules.
Poem
Can be written in any meter or can be unmetered.
Blank verse poems are written in unrhymed iambic pentameter.
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.
Poem
Reflects a wide range of cultural expressions.
Poems can vary greatly, from ancient epic poems like the Odyssey to modern spoken word.
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.
Poem
A verbal composition designed to convey experiences, ideas, or emotions in a vivid and imaginative way, characterized by the use of language chosen for its sound and suggestive power and by the use of literary techniques such as meter, metaphor, and rhyme.
Sonnet
A poem in this form.
Poem
A composition in verse rather than in prose
Wrote both prose and poems.
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.
Poem
A literary composition written with an intensity or beauty of language more characteristic of poetry than of prose.
Sonnet
(intransitive) To compose sonnets.
Poem
A literary piece written in verse.
Sonnet
(transitive) To celebrate in sonnets; to write a sonnet about.
Poem
A piece of writing in the tradition of poetry, an instance of poetry.
Sonnet
A short poem, - usually amatory.
He had a wonderful desire to chant a sonnet or hymn unto Apollo Pythius.
Poem
A piece of poetic writing, that is with an intensity or depth of expression or inspiration greater than is usual in prose.
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.
Poem
A metrical composition; a composition in verse written in certain measures, whether in blank verse or in rhyme, and characterized by imagination and poetic diction; - contradistinguished from prose; as, the poems of Homer or of Milton.
Sonnet
To compose sonnets.
Poem
A composition, not in verse, of which the language is highly imaginative or impassioned; as, a prose poem; the poems of Ossian.
Sonnet
A verse form consisting of 14 lines with a fixed rhyme scheme
Poem
A composition written in metrical feet forming rhythmical lines
Sonnet
Praise in a sonnet
Sonnet
Compose a sonnet
Sonnet
Often explores themes like love or beauty.
Petrarch’s sonnets idealize and lament his love for Laura.
Common Curiosities
Why do poets choose to write sonnets?
Poets may choose the sonnet form to challenge their creativity within its strict structure or to connect with a rich tradition of lyrical expression.
Are all poems rhythmic?
Not all poems are rhythmic; some may be free verse, lacking a regular rhythm or rhyme.
How can the length of poems vary?
Poems can range from a single line to epic lengths spanning thousands of lines.
How does a sonnet differ from a regular poem?
A sonnet has fixed structural rules, whereas a regular poem can vary widely in form and style.
Can any poem be a sonnet?
No, only poems that meet the specific criteria of 14 lines and a set rhyme scheme qualify as sonnets.
What defines a sonnet?
A sonnet is defined by its structure of 14 lines, a specific rhyme scheme, and often a consistent meter.
What is the purpose of the volta in a sonnet?
The volta introduces a thematic or emotional shift, adding complexity and depth to the poem.
What is the shortest form of a poem?
Some of the shortest forms include haiku and couplets, which are much shorter than sonnets.
How has the form of poetry evolved over time?
Poetry has evolved from strict traditional forms to include a wide array of styles and structures, reflecting changes in artistic and cultural contexts.
Do sonnets always have to be about love?
While love is a common theme, sonnets can explore any topic, including politics, death, and nature.
What makes a poem memorable?
A memorable poem often combines emotional resonance, creative language, and unique imagery.
Are there cultural differences in how poems are structured?
Yes, poetic forms and structures vary significantly across cultures, influenced by linguistic, historical, and social factors.
What role does meter play in poetry?
Meter adds rhythm and musicality to poetry, enhancing its aesthetic and emotive appeal.
Can the structure of a poem affect its meaning?
Yes, the structure of a poem can greatly influence how its message is perceived and understood.
Why might a poet choose free verse over more structured forms?
Free verse allows greater flexibility to express thoughts and emotions unconstrained by formal rules.
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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.
