Advanced Placement (AP) English Literature Practice Exam

What is the primary structure of a sonnet?

1. A six-line stanza with a specific rhyme scheme

2. A fourteen-line poem focused on a theme

3. Any poem longer than fourteen lines

4. A poem written entirely in free verse

The correct answer is: A fourteen-line poem focused on a theme

The primary structure of a sonnet is indeed a fourteen-line poem that typically explores a particular theme or idea. This form of poetry is often characterized by its use of specific rhyme schemes and metrical patterns, such as iambic pentameter in the case of Shakespearean and Petrarchan sonnets. The thematic focus is essential, as sonnets traditionally delve into emotional, philosophical, or romantic subjects, often culminating in a resolution or twist towards the end. While you can find poems with varying lengths and structures, the defining characteristic of a sonnet is its fixed fourteen lines which allow poets to express complex ideas succinctly and effectively. The other options represent different poetic forms or lengths that do not align with the established definition of a sonnet. For instance, a six-line stanza does not encompass the full structure of a sonnet, and free verse does not adhere to the rigid line count or rhyme scheme that defines sonnets. Therefore, option B accurately represents the specific and recognized characteristics of sonnet writing.