Sonnet

Definition

A sonnet is a poetic form that consists of 14 lines, typically written in iambic pentameter, and follows a specific rhyme scheme. This structured format allows poets to explore themes of love, nature, time, and beauty, often culminating in a volta or a turn that shifts the perspective or argument within the poem.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. There are two main types of sonnets: the Petrarchan (or Italian) sonnet, which is divided into an octave and a sestet, and the Shakespearean (or English) sonnet, which consists of three quatrains followed by a couplet.
2. The rhyme scheme for a Petrarchan sonnet is typically ABBAABBA for the octave, followed by various patterns for the sestet, while a Shakespearean sonnet follows ABABCDCDEFEFGG.
3. Sonnets often deal with themes like love, mortality, and beauty, reflecting complex human emotions and experiences.
4. The use of iambic pentameter gives sonnets a rhythmic quality that enhances their musicality and emotional impact.
5. Many famous poets, including William Shakespeare, John Milton, and Elizabeth Barrett Browning, have made significant contributions to the sonnet form, showcasing its versatility and enduring appeal.

Review Questions

• Compare and contrast the structures of Petrarchan and Shakespearean sonnets.
  • Petrarchan sonnets consist of 14 lines divided into an octave followed by a sestet, typically with an ABBAABBA rhyme scheme for the octave. In contrast, Shakespearean sonnets are organized into three quatrains and a final couplet with an ABABCDCDEFEFGG rhyme scheme. While both forms utilize iambic pentameter and maintain the traditional 14-line structure, they differ in their rhyme patterns and thematic developments, with Petrarchan sonnets often focusing on a problem followed by a resolution in the sestet.
• Discuss how the volta functions within a sonnet and its significance to the overall meaning.
  • The volta serves as a pivotal turning point within a sonnet, marking a shift in tone or argument. In Shakespearean sonnets, this change often occurs at the start of the third quatrain or the final couplet, offering new insights or contrasting ideas that deepen the poem's message. The significance of the volta lies in its ability to surprise the reader and create tension between opposing ideas or emotions, ultimately enriching the reader's understanding of the poet's themes.
• Evaluate the impact of iambic pentameter on the emotional delivery of themes within sonnets across different poets.
  • Iambic pentameter provides a rhythmic foundation that enhances the emotional delivery of themes within sonnets. This meter mimics natural speech patterns, making the poems more relatable while also imbuing them with a musical quality. Poets like Shakespeare and Milton effectively used this structure to convey complex emotions surrounding love, loss, and time. The consistent rhythm allows for dramatic emphasis during key moments in the poem, ultimately intensifying the reader's connection to its themes and enhancing their overall experience.

Related terms

iambic pentameter: A metrical pattern in poetry consisting of five iambs per line, where each iamb is made up of an unstressed syllable followed by a stressed syllable.

rhyme scheme:

The ordered pattern of rhymes at the ends of lines in a poem, which can vary based on the type of sonnet and contributes to its overall structure and sound.

volta: A rhetorical shift or dramatic change in thought and direction within a poem, commonly found at the beginning of the third quatrain in Shakespearean sonnets.