Which of the following is a characteristic of a sonnet?

A sonnet is defined by its specific structure and characteristics, with the most notable being its rhyme scheme. In English sonnets, particularly the Shakespearean (or English) and Petrarchan (or Italian) forms, each has a distinct rhyme pattern that contributes to its musical quality and thematic development. For example, a Shakespearean sonnet typically follows the ABABCDCDEFEFGG rhyme scheme, while a Petrarchan sonnet adheres to an ABBAABBACDCDCD or ABBAABBACDECDE pattern.

This emphasis on a defined rhyme scheme is crucial to what qualifies as a sonnet, as it guides the flow and emotional resonance of the poem. In contrast, the other options do not accurately define what a sonnet is. Sonnets traditionally consist of 14 lines, not 16, and are not limited to a particular number of stanzas, as they can consist of one connected stanza. Additionally, sonnets are not always humorous; they can explore a wide range of themes, including love, beauty, mortality, and nature. Thus, the specific rhyme scheme is the defining characteristic that identifies a poem as a sonnet.