Petrarchan Sonnet

Definition

A Petrarchan sonnet is a 14-line poem divided into two parts: an octave and a sestet, following a specific rhyme scheme of ABBAABBA for the octave and typically CDCDCD or CDECDE for the sestet. This form, named after the Italian poet Petrarch, is characterized by its exploration of themes such as love, beauty, and the passage of time, often featuring a volta, or turn, that shifts the argument or perspective between the two sections.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Petrarchan sonnet consists of an octave with eight lines and a sestet with six lines, creating a distinct division in thought and structure.
2. The octave traditionally presents a problem or emotional state, while the sestet offers a resolution or reflection on that issue.
3. Petrarch's sonnets were primarily written in Italian, but the form was later adapted by English poets like William Shakespeare and John Milton.
4. Common themes found in Petrarchan sonnets include unrequited love, idealized beauty, and the fleeting nature of time.
5. The rhyme scheme of the sestet can vary, allowing poets some flexibility in their expression while still adhering to the Petrarchan structure.

Review Questions

• How does the structure of a Petrarchan sonnet contribute to its thematic development?
  • The structure of a Petrarchan sonnet plays a crucial role in developing its themes. The octave introduces an emotional state or problem, creating tension through its rhyme scheme of ABBAABBA. This sets up the stage for the sestet, where the volta provides a shift in perspective or resolution. This division allows poets to explore complex emotions effectively, transitioning from longing or despair in the octave to insights or conclusions in the sestet.
• Compare and contrast the Petrarchan sonnet with the Shakespearean sonnet in terms of structure and themes.
  • The Petrarchan sonnet features an octave and sestet structure with an ABBAABBA rhyme scheme for the octave, while the Shakespearean sonnet consists of three quatrains followed by a rhymed couplet (ABABCDCDEFEFGG). The themes often overlap, focusing on love and beauty; however, Petrarchan sonnets typically emphasize idealization and inner conflict through their octave/sestet division. In contrast, Shakespearean sonnets allow for more playful or narrative exploration due to their quatrain format.
• Evaluate the influence of Petrarch's work on later poets and how the Petrarchan sonnet has evolved over time.
  • Petrarch's work significantly influenced later poets by popularizing the sonnet form and establishing thematic conventions that persisted throughout literary history. As English poets adopted and adapted the Petrarchan sonnet, they modified its structural elements and thematic focus to suit their cultural contexts. This evolution can be seen in how poets like Shakespeare infused personal experiences and social commentary into their sonnets, demonstrating that while the form retains its origins, it also allows for diverse expressions and innovations reflective of changing literary landscapes.

Related terms

Sonnet: A sonnet is a 14-line poem that adheres to a specific structure and meter, often exploring themes of love and nature.

Volta: The volta is a rhetorical shift or dramatic change in thought that occurs in a sonnet, often marking a turn in argument or perspective.

Rhyme Scheme: A rhyme scheme is the pattern of rhymes at the end of each line of a poem, which helps to establish its musicality and structure.