THE INFLUENCE OF SHAKESPEAREAN SONNETS ON MODERN POETRY

Abstract

William Shakespeare’s sonnets have left an indelible mark on modern poetry, shaping its themes, structures, and expressive depth. His 154 sonnets, composed in the late 16th and early 17th centuries, epitomize the Elizabethan sonnet tradition while also pioneering poetic innovations that continue to inspire contemporary poets. One of the most enduring aspects of Shakespeare’s sonnets is their structure. The Shakespearean sonnet, with its 14-line format, three quatrains, and a concluding rhymed couplet, remains a favored form among modern poets. Writers such as Edna St. Vincent Millay, Claude McKay, and contemporary poets like Terrance Hayes have adapted this structure to explore new themes, including social justice, identity, and modern love.