How do you start a sonnet?

14 lines long

Lines 1-8, the Octave, introduces a question, situation, or problem.

Lines 9-14, the Sestet, answers the question, resolves the situation or problem

The point that divides the Octave from the Sestet is the Caesura.

Iambic Pentameter

Two types:

Shakespearean/English (abab cdcd efef gg)

Petrarchan/Italian (Abbaabba cdecde)

Spenserian (abab bcbc cdcd ee)

Must have 10 syllables and 5 beats per line