What is a defining characteristic of a Shakespearean sonnet?

A defining characteristic of a Shakespearean sonnet is its specific rhyme scheme, which is structured as ABAB CDCD EFEF GG. This format consists of three quatrains followed by a final couplet, allowing for a thematic development across the quatrains that often culminates in a resolution or poignant statement in the couplet. The alternating rhyme scheme contributes to the poem's musical quality and aids in the expression of complex ideas and emotions.

In contrast, the twelve-line structure is not characteristic of Shakespearean sonnets, as they specifically consist of fourteen lines. Additionally, while many Shakespearean sonnets explore themes of love, they are not limited to this subject and can cover a wide range of human experiences. Finally, the use of modern language and symbols does not apply, as Shakespeare's works were written in Early Modern English, making the original texts distinct in their language and symbols from contemporary literary forms.