A sonnet is a poetic form that traditionally consists of 14 lines, typically written in iambic pentameter. There are several types of sonnets, with the most common being the Shakespearean (or English) and the Petrarchan (or Italian) sonnets. The Shakespearean sonnet is structured with three quatrains followed by a couplet, while the Petrarchan sonnet divides into an octave and a sestet. Each type of sonnet has its own rhyme scheme. The Shakespearean sonnet follows the ABABCDCDEFEFGG pattern, whereas the Petrarchan sonnet typically uses ABBAABBACDCDCD or ABBAABBACDECDE. Sonnets often explore themes of love, nature, and time, making them a popular choice for poets throughout history.