The Shakespearean Sonnet “Romeo and Juliet”

The Shakespearean Sonnet in “Romeo and Juliet” Shakespeare uses sonnets to express his feelings, expressions, and emotions regarding romance and tragedy, the main themes of his “Romeo and Juliet.” Over the centuries sonnets have been considered as high forms of literature, which have been extensively used by many authors and poets. One of those writers and poets is William Shakespeare.

Shakespeare the authors of many well known plays, novels, and poems such “Romeo and Juliet” wrote about 38 different plays. Some were about romance and tragedy, while others were comedy. He is considered as one of the most talented writers of his time. This essay will talk about the three main sonnets of the story which are the prologue of Act 1 and 2, and the first conversation between Romeo and Juliet.

A sonnet is a lyric poem of 14 lines, usually in an iambic pentameter following one or another of several set rhyme-schemes. There are two types sonnets. The first is the Italian or Petrachan and the second is the English or Shakespearean. The Shakespearean sonnet, the form of sonnets that will be explained in this essay, embodies four divisions. The divisions are classified as three quatrains and a rhymed couplet. Thus the typical rhyme-scheme for the English sonnet is “abab cdcd efef gg.” Sonnets are mainly used to express feelings, ideas, and/or emotions regarding topics such as tragedy and romance.

The first sonnet in “Romeo and Juliet” is the Prologue of the story. A prologue is the preface of a play or in other words the introduction. This sonnet is told/spoken by the chorus of the play directly to the audience. This sonnet plays as an introductory to the play’s plot. In its fourteen lines it reveals the essence of the plot. It states that the tragedy will involve a pair of ill-fated lovers who by their deaths will end the long and bitter feud that has been raging between their families. The reason Shakespeare chose to include this sonnet is to help the reader understand what the play is all about. The words chosen and the sentences used directly show the author’s emotions towards the theme of romance and tragedy. The impact it has on the play is that it foreshadows what will eventually end of the two lovers, Romeo and Juliet.

The second sonnet in “Romeo and Juliet” is line 95 through line 109 in Act 1, scene 5. It is spoken by Romeo and Juliet in the form of a friendly conversation. This sonnet is particular reveals Romeo’s true and great love for Juliet. This is where the plot begins to build up. Shakespeare revealed Romeo’s love for Juliet in a form of a sonnet, because sonnets are used to express one’s feelings and emotions towards something. Here Shakespeare is expressing his feelings and emotions towards love. The effect’s of its language is that, other than explaining what love can be, it shows what Shakespeare thinks of love, and what his emotions are for it. Also this sonnet has a significant impact on the play. First of all, this is where the play’s plot begins. Also this is where Romeo tells Juliet his true feelings for her.

The third sonnet in “Romeo and Juliet” is another prologue. However, this is the prologue, not of the play, but of Act 2. This sonnet is told/spoken by the chorus of the play directly to the audience. This sonnet plays as an introductory to the play’s plot, and reveals some new information about the built plot. Once again in 14 lines this prologue shows and states that Romeo’s desire and love for Rosaline has gone and has been replaced by his new emotions towards his new love Juliet. It also reveals that Juliet’s emotions are mutual towards Romeo. The prologue also reminds the reader how difficult it will be for the two lovers to express their love to each other publicly and privately. Shakespeare also uses this sonnet to, once again express his feelings towards love. This sonnet’s effect on the story is that it foreshadows a negative scene or even in the play. This sonnet shows the love between Romeo and Juliet and soon something will happen that will separate the two lovers forever.

Shakespeare uses sonnets very well in expressing his feelings and emotions towards strong themes such as love and tragedy.