What is a main characteristic of a Shakespearean sonnet?

A Shakespearean sonnet, also known as an English sonnet, is distinctly characterized by its structure of 14 lines that are composed in iambic pentameter. The iambic pentameter consists of five feet per line, with each foot containing an unstressed syllable followed by a stressed syllable, creating a rhythmic pattern that enhances the flow and musicality of the poem. This structure is an essential aspect of the Shakespearean sonnet, making it recognized for its specific metrical pattern.

In addition to the line count and meter, Shakespearean sonnets follow a particular rhyme scheme: ABABCDCDEFEFGG, which contributes to their thematic development and the resolution typically found in the final couplet. This intricate combination of form and meter is what sets the Shakespearean sonnet apart from other poetic forms, such as the Petrarchan sonnet, which has a different structure and rhyme scheme. Understanding this key characteristic is fundamental for analyzing and appreciating Shakespeare's poetry.