Sonnet

Definition

A sonnet is a poetic form that traditionally consists of 14 lines, usually written in iambic pentameter, and follows specific rhyme schemes. This structured form is commonly used to express deep emotions, themes of love, and philosophical reflections, often culminating in a twist or resolution in the final lines.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Sonnets originated in Italy and were popularized by poets such as Petrarch before spreading to other regions, including Spain and England.
2. There are two main types of sonnets: the Petrarchan (or Italian) sonnet, which divides into an octave and a sestet, and the Shakespearean (or English) sonnet, which is structured into three quatrains followed by a couplet.
3. The volta, or 'turn,' is a crucial element in sonnets that introduces a shift in tone or perspective, typically appearing at the ninth line in Petrarchan sonnets or the final couplet in Shakespearean sonnets.
4. Sonnets often explore themes such as love, beauty, mortality, and nature, making them versatile for expressing complex emotions and ideas.
5. Prominent Spanish-language poets like Garcilaso de la Vega and Luis de Góngora significantly contributed to the sonnet's development in Spanish literature during the Golden Age.

Review Questions

• How does the structure of a sonnet influence its thematic expression and emotional impact?
  • The structure of a sonnet, with its 14 lines and specific rhyme scheme, allows poets to craft tightly woven arguments or emotional expressions within a limited space. The use of iambic pentameter provides a rhythmic flow that can enhance the musicality of the poem. The volta introduces a shift that can create tension or resolution, influencing how themes are perceived by readers. This structured approach not only highlights the poet's skill but also deepens the emotional resonance of the themes explored.
• Discuss how different types of sonnets (Petrarchan vs. Shakespearean) affect their thematic development.
  • Petrarchan and Shakespearean sonnets present distinct structural features that shape their thematic development. The Petrarchan sonnet's octave typically presents a problem or situation, while the sestet offers a resolution or counterargument. In contrast, Shakespearean sonnets build their arguments through three quatrains that explore variations on a theme before concluding with a decisive couplet. This structural difference influences how poets develop ideas and convey emotional depth, with each type offering unique ways to engage with themes like love and mortality.
• Evaluate the significance of the sonnet form in Spanish literature during the Golden Age and its lasting influence on contemporary poetry.
  • During the Golden Age of Spanish literature, the sonnet form became pivotal for poets like Garcilaso de la Vega and Luis de Góngora, who adapted Italian styles to express complex emotional landscapes and cultural themes. The intricate rhyme schemes and structured formats allowed these poets to explore concepts like love, honor, and nature deeply. The influence of these sonnets extends into contemporary poetry, where modern poets continue to utilize the form to navigate personal experiences and societal issues, proving that this classic structure remains relevant and adaptable across time.

Related terms

Iambic Pentameter: A metrical foot in poetry that consists of an unstressed syllable followed by a stressed syllable, commonly used in English poetry, including sonnets.

Rhyme Scheme: The pattern of rhymes at the end of each line in a poem, often designated with letters to denote which lines rhyme with each other.

Quatrain: A stanza or section of a poem that contains four lines, commonly used in the structure of sonnets.