A Shakespearean sonnet consists of how many lines?

A Shakespearean sonnet is structured with a specific format that consists of 14 lines. These lines are divided into three quatrains followed by a final couplet. The quatrains typically explore a theme or idea, while the couplet provides a resolution or conclusion to that theme. Each line of the sonnet generally follows a specific meter known as iambic pentameter, which further contributes to the sonnet's rhythmic and thematic intricacies.

This structure and line count are essential to defining what a Shakespearean sonnet is, distinguishing it from other forms of poetry such as Petrarchan sonnets, which also consist of 14 lines but are arranged differently. The specific count of 14 lines allows for various poetic techniques, such as rhyme and meter, which enrich the overall expression and meaning of the poem.