What is the typical rhyme scheme of a Shakespearean sonnet?

The typical rhyme scheme of a Shakespearean sonnet is structured as ABAB CDCD EFEF GG. This pattern features three quatrains, each with alternating rhymes, followed by a final couplet that provides a resolution or conclusion to the themes presented in the sonnet.

This distinct rhyme scheme not only lends rhythm and musicality to the poem but also allows for the development of ideas and arguments across the quatrains. The couplet at the end often delivers a twist or a poignant statement, encapsulating the essence of the sonnet. The alternation of rhymes helps maintain the reader's interest and creates a sense of progression throughout the poem.