Advanced Placement (AP) English Literature Practice Exam

Which structure is typical for a Shakespearean sonnet?

1. Three quatrains followed by a couplet

2. Two stanzas of six lines each

3. A single stanza with no structured rhyme

4. Four unrhymed lines followed by a couplet

The correct answer is: Three quatrains followed by a couplet

A Shakespearean sonnet is characterized by its specific structure, which consists of three quatrains followed by a final couplet. Each quatrain typically presents a new idea or theme, allowing for a development or exploration of the sonnet's subject. The rhyme scheme is usually ABABCDCDEFEFGG, which provides a rhythmic continuity and creates a satisfying resolution in the final couplet. This concluding couplet often offers a twist or a summarization of the themes addressed in the quatrains, thereby highlighting the sonnet's overall message. The other options present different structures that do not align with the Shakespearean form. The second choice describes a structure more akin to a Petrarchan sonnet, which features an octet followed by a sestet. The third option suggests a lack of structured rhyme, which contradicts the defined rhyme scheme inherent in sonnet forms. Lastly, the fourth option suggests a structure that misrepresents the traditional format of a sonnet, as it indicates an unusual combination of unrhymed lines rather than the precise quatrain-couplet organization typically found in Shakespearean sonnets.