key term - Volta

Definition

A volta is a rhetorical shift or turn in thought that occurs in a poem, particularly in sonnets. It often marks a change in the speaker's perspective or emotional state, transitioning from one idea to another, which can lead to a resolution or climax in the poem's argument. This shift is especially significant in sonnets, where it helps to delineate the problem and its solution.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In traditional sonnets, the volta typically occurs between the octave and sestet in Petrarchan sonnets, while it can occur around the ninth line in Shakespearean sonnets.
2. The volta serves to create tension within the poem by contrasting initial thoughts with a new perspective or resolution.
3. Voltas can also vary in their intensity; some are subtle shifts while others represent dramatic changes in tone or argument.
4. Recognizing the volta can deepen your understanding of the poem's emotional arc and thematic development.
5. Many famous poets, including Shakespeare and Milton, effectively used the volta to enhance their poetic expressions and engage readers.

Review Questions

• How does the volta function within different types of sonnets?
  • The volta serves as a critical element in both Petrarchan and Shakespearean sonnets, acting as a bridge between conflicting ideas or emotions. In Petrarchan sonnets, it typically appears after the eighth line, marking a shift from problem to resolution. In contrast, Shakespearean sonnets may introduce the volta around the ninth line, leading to a dramatic twist. Understanding these placements helps readers appreciate how the volta shapes the overall meaning and emotional impact of the poem.
• Discuss how identifying the volta enhances the reader's interpretation of a sonnet.
  • Identifying the volta enhances interpretation by revealing how the poem's themes evolve over its structure. The volta highlights moments of conflict and resolution, allowing readers to see how emotions shift within the poem. This understanding can illuminate deeper meanings behind the imagery and language used by the poet, making it easier to grasp the underlying message and emotional depth of the work.
• Evaluate the significance of the volta in enhancing thematic complexity in sonnets by various poets.
  • The significance of the volta lies in its ability to create thematic complexity by juxtaposing contrasting ideas or emotions within a confined structure. Poets like Shakespeare and Milton skillfully utilize this device to enrich their works with deeper meaning. By facilitating a turn in thought, the volta allows for nuanced expressions of love, loss, or existential contemplation. Analyzing how different poets employ this technique reveals not only their unique styles but also how they engage with universal themes through their art.

Related terms

sonnet: A sonnet is a 14-line poem typically written in iambic pentameter, often exploring themes of love, nature, or philosophy.

turn: A turn refers to the change in argument or perspective within a poem, synonymous with volta, often highlighting a pivotal moment in the text.

Petrarchan sonnet: A Petrarchan sonnet is a type of sonnet divided into an octave and a sestet, usually featuring a volta between the two sections that signals a shift in theme or argument.