What is the rhyme scheme of a Shakespearean sonnet?

The rhyme scheme of a Shakespearean sonnet is structured as ABABCDCDEFEFGG. This format illustrates how the sonnet is divided into three quatrains followed by a final rhymed couplet. Each quatrain introduces a new idea or theme, often developing the argument or emotion presented in the poem. The concluding couplet typically offers a resolution or a twist to the ideas expressed in the quatrains, providing closure.

This pattern is a defining feature of Shakespeare's work, distinct from other sonnet forms, such as the Petrarchan sonnet, which has a different rhyme scheme. Understanding this rhyme structure is essential for analyzing and appreciating the emotional depth and rhythmic quality of Shakespeare's poetry.