Octave

Definition

An octave is a poetic form that consists of eight lines, commonly used in sonnets, especially the Petrarchan sonnet. This structure allows poets to develop an idea or argument before transitioning into a contrasting or resolving section, often found in the following sestet. The use of an octave is vital in creating tension or presenting a problem that will be addressed later in the poem.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The octave traditionally follows a specific rhyme scheme, commonly ABBAABBA, which helps establish a musical quality and thematic unity within the poem.
2. In Petrarchan sonnets, the octave presents a problem or emotional state, setting up the argument or theme that the sestet will address or resolve.
3. Shakespearean sonnets do not typically feature an octave but instead use three quatrains and a final couplet, showcasing different ideas or shifts rather than focusing on an eight-line segment.
4. Poets often utilize enjambment within the octave to create a sense of flow and continuation from one line to the next, enhancing the emotional impact of their words.
5. Famous examples of octaves can be found in works by poets like John Milton and Elizabeth Barrett Browning, showcasing the versatility and importance of this structure in English poetry.

Review Questions

• How does the structure of an octave contribute to the overall meaning and emotional impact of a Petrarchan sonnet?
  • The structure of an octave is crucial as it establishes the initial problem or emotional tension within a Petrarchan sonnet. By using eight lines, poets can effectively articulate complex feelings or situations that set up the subsequent resolution provided by the sestet. This buildup creates a narrative arc within the poem, drawing readers into the emotional landscape before leading them toward a resolution.
• Compare and contrast the use of octaves in Petrarchan sonnets with their absence in Shakespearean sonnets.
  • Petrarchan sonnets prominently feature octaves that set up an emotional or thematic problem, typically following an ABBAABBA rhyme scheme. In contrast, Shakespearean sonnets utilize three quatrains followed by a couplet, which allows for more varied ideas across four distinct sections. While both forms effectively convey deep emotions and ideas, the octave's role in shaping tension is unique to Petrarchan sonnets, highlighting their structural differences.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of using enjambment within octaves to enhance poetic expression in sonnets.
  • Enjambment within octaves significantly enhances poetic expression by allowing thoughts and emotions to spill over from one line to another without pause. This technique creates a sense of urgency and continuity that can mirror the intensity of feelings being expressed. By maintaining momentum through enjambment, poets can draw readers deeper into their arguments or emotional states, making the subsequent resolution in the sestet more impactful and resonant.

Related terms

Sonnet: A 14-line poem, often written in iambic pentameter, that expresses a single theme or idea, commonly divided into two parts: the octave and the sestet for Petrarchan, and three quatrains and a couplet for Shakespearean.

Sestet: The second part of a Petrarchan sonnet, consisting of six lines that typically respond to or resolve the situation posed in the preceding octave.

Iambic Pentameter: A common meter in English poetry consisting of lines with five feet, where each foot has an unstressed syllable followed by a stressed syllable, often used in both Shakespearean and Petrarchan sonnets.