Question

sonnets
which statements about sonnets are true? check all that apply.
shakespeare wrote plays, but not sonnets.
the sonnet form was invented in italy, and then adopted by english poets.
sonnets are a kind of poetry.
sonnets are written in free verse, with no fixed structure or rhyme scheme.
the two types of sonnets are english (shakespearean) and italian (petrarchan).
shakespeares sonnets frequently focus on love and romance

Explanation:

1. Shakespeare is famous for both plays and 154 sonnets, so the first statement is false.
2. The sonnet originated in Italy (Petrarchan form) before being adapted by English poets, so this is true.
3. Sonnets are a structured, traditional form of poetry, so this is true.
4. Sonnets have strict fixed structures and rhyme schemes, so the free verse claim is false.
5. The two primary sonnet types are English (Shakespearean, 3 quatrains + couplet) and Italian (Petrarchan, octave + sestet), so this is true.
6. A large portion of Shakespeare's sonnets center on themes of love, romance, and beauty, so this is true.

Answer:

• The sonnet form was invented in Italy, and then adopted by English poets.
• Sonnets are a kind of poetry.
• The two types of sonnets are English (Shakespearean) and Italian (Petrarchan).
• Shakespeare's sonnets frequently focus on love and romance.