Sonnet/ˈsɑːnɪt/ Definition 1 of 2Pro Tip 1/3Fixed Structure Sonnet has a specific format, usually with an 8-6 or 4-4-3-3 stanza division. When crafting a sonnet, pay attention to the 14-line structure. Pro Tip 2/3Rhyme Schemes The sonnet can have different patterns of rhyme, such as ABAB or ABBA. English sonnets typically follow the ABAB CDCD EFEF GG rhyme scheme. Pro Tip 3/3Themes Sonnets often explore themes of love, time, beauty, and mortality. Shakespeare's sonnets frequently muse on the nature of time and love.