Shakespearean sonnets are also more-than-typically love stories. The volta is a turning-point in the poem where the topic or idea presented in the poem is challenged or enhanced after sufficient buildup in the rest of the piece.

Each are fourteen lines, adhere to a strict rhyme scheme, employ use of an iambic pentameter, and utilize a volta in the last two lines. Upon distilling the Shakespearean sonnet down to it’s basic elements, I found that many examples all had a few key similarities. This urged me to really figure out what made the Shakespearean sonnet unique among other forms of poetry, so that I could apply my findings to the song I was writing.

While I heavily referenced themes from another of Shakespeare’s works, the ever so popular play Romeo and Juliet to establish context, I really wanted to experiment further with the form of his sonnet in particular. But I’ve always loved the “little song” aesthetic of the fourteen line Shakespearean sonnet, and wanted to capture it for Love Story in a unique and artistic way. When writing this song I really wanted it to feel like you were reading a Shakespearean sonnet. I’ve been asked about the Shakespearian themes present in Love Story, and I wanted to clear up any misconceptions revolving around the piece ‘s artistic themes. My name is Taylor Swift, and I’m writing this brief explanation behind my song Love Story. Dear all of my beautiful and amazing fans!

Iambic pentameter shakespearean sonnet