RAFTS and tips for creating your own Shakespearean sonnet.

1. Composing a
Shakespearean
Sonnet

2. R You are in the time of your youth when you see and experience
different sides to love and relationships.
A You will be writing either to a general audience or to a certain girl.
F You will follow the format of a Shakespearean sonnet with 3 quatrains
and a couplet following the ababcdcdefefgg rhyme scheme.
T Since the topic of Shakespeare’s sonnet is generally about love,
your sonnet will also tackle the theme of love.
The description must be vivid and must give concrete details
S that will elicit sensory images and evoke strong emotions. You
are supposed to entice your readers and make them feel/
empathize with you as express your innermost feelings on love.

3. Your sonnet must exhibit the basic elements of a
S Shakespearean sonnet. Ideas-40%, Format -20%, Voice-20%
Word Choice-10%, Conventions-10%.

4. Try your hand at it
Google docs: CN LN, I - Shakespearean Sonnet
1. Think of a topic. Explain what your sonnet is going to be
about in 3-5 sentences.
2. The first two lines of your Shakespearean Sonnet are easy
to write because they don’t have to rhyme yet. Try out a few
ideas for your 1st line.
3. The 2nd line doesn’t have a fixed rhyme yet; try writing a
second line.
4. Count each syllable, make sure you only have 10 syllables.
Revise your work if it exceeds or is lacking in syllables. Do
not forget to add color to make each line interesting. Also,
revise your work to follow the iambic pentameter (–’).

5. Try your hand at it
Google docs: CN LN, I - Shakespearean Sonnet
5. The 3rd and 4th line will need to rhyme with those you
already wrote; the 3rd with the 1st and the 4th with the 2nd.
To aid you in writing these:
a. Create a list of words that rhyme with the last word of the
1st line.
b. Create another list of words that rhyme with the last word
of the 2nd line.
6. Write your ideas for the 3rd and 4th line.
7. Look over your 1st quatrain. Make sure all the lines have 10
syllables and are following the metrical scheme of iambic
pentameter.

6. Try your hand at it
Google docs: CN LN, I - Shakespearean Sonnet
8. Go over the same process for the two other quatrains and
the couplet, remembering the essential composition of
each:
a. 2nd Quatrain: Theme and metaphor are extended;
creative illustration is given.
b. 3rd Quatrain: Either the metaphor is extended or conflict
is introduced through the turn or volta.
c. Couplet: Summarizes and leaves the reader with a new,
concluding image.
You have now successfully created your first working
Shakespearean Sonnet draft!