What defines a sonnet?

A sonnet is defined as a poem of fourteen lines that typically follows a specific formal rhyme scheme and meter, often employing iambic pentameter. This structure allows for a focused exploration of themes such as love, nature, or time within a compact format. The traditional rhyme schemes used in sonnets, such as the Shakespearean (or English) sonnet's ABABCDCDEFEFGG and the Petrarchan (or Italian) sonnet's ABBAABBACDCDCD, contribute to their unique lyrical quality and enhance the emotional impact of the poem. The rigid structure of the sonnet not only showcases the poet's skill but also often leads to a volta, or turn in thought, typically occurring at the end of the octave or the beginning of the sestet.

The other options describe different types of literary forms. A narrative written in free verse lacks the specific line and rhyme constraints of a sonnet, while a short story focuses on prose and often delivers a moral lesson or message. A ballad incorporates a storytelling element with a repetitive chorus, differing from the formal qualities found in sonnets. Therefore, the definition of a sonnet as a poem of fourteen lines with formal rhyme schemes stands out as the most accurate