The Sonnets

1. About the Sonnets
2. Study the Sonnets
3. The Fair Youth Sonnets (Sonnets 1 – 126)
4. The Dark Lady Sonnets (Sonnets 127 – 152)
5. Read Popular Sonnets

About the Sonnets

The Shakespearian Sonnet has had a long and confusing history. We ask to whom they were dedicated, how they have been misprinted over the years, and question whether Shakespeare even wanted them published in the first place?

• What Is a Sonnet?
• How Many Shakespeare Sonnets Are There?
• History of the Shakespearian Sonnet
• Did Shakespeare Write The Sonnets?

Study the Sonnets

Read Shakespeare's sonnets alongside our overviews and critical analyses. Our study guides also provide you with sample exam questions designed to improve your critical reading skills.

• Sonnet Summary
• Introducing Iambic Pentameter
• Study Guide to Sonnet 18: Shall I Compare Thee to a Summer’s Day?

The Fair Youth Sonnets (Sonnets 1 – 126)

The Fair Youth Sonnets are the first sequence and are addressed to a young man with whom the poet has a deep friendship.

• Introducing Shakespeare's Fair Youth Sonnets
• A Full List of the Fair Youth Sonnets

The Dark Lady Sonnets (Sonnets 127 – 152)

In the second sequence of sonnets, the poet becomes infatuated with a mysterious woman. Her relationship with the young man is unclear.

• Introducing Shakespeare's Dark Lady Sonnets
• A Full List of the Dark Lady Sonnets

Read Popular Sonnets

Read Shakespeare's sonnets first hand on About.com. Here, I've selected some of the most popular sonnets.

• Sonnet 18 - Shall I Compare Thee to a Summer’s Day?
• Sonnet 19 - Devouring Time, Blunt Thou the Lion's Paws
• Sonnet 20 - A Woman's Face With Nature's Own Hand Painted
• Sonnet 21 - So Is It Not With Me As With That Muse