Petrarchan Sonnet

Definition

A Petrarchan sonnet, also known as an Italian sonnet, is a 14-line poem divided into two parts: the octave and the sestet. The octave typically follows an ABBAABBA rhyme scheme, while the sestet can vary, often using CDCDCD or CDECDE patterns. This structure allows for a thematic shift or resolution between the two sections, reflecting emotional or intellectual contrasts.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Petrarchan sonnets were named after the Italian poet Petrarch, who popularized this form in the 14th century, focusing on themes of unrequited love and idealized beauty.
2. The octave in a Petrarchan sonnet typically presents a problem, situation, or emotional state that is then resolved or reflected upon in the sestet.
3. This form has influenced countless poets across different languages and eras, making it a foundational structure in Western poetry.
4. Notable poets who adopted the Petrarchan sonnet include John Milton and Elizabeth Barrett Browning, showcasing its versatility in expressing various themes.
5. The shift between the octave and sestet is known as the 'volta' or 'turn,' which is crucial for creating contrast or revelation in the poem's meaning.

Review Questions

• How does the structure of a Petrarchan sonnet contribute to its thematic depth?
  • The structure of a Petrarchan sonnet plays a significant role in its thematic depth through its division into an octave and a sestet. The octave typically introduces a problem or emotional state using an ABBAABBA rhyme scheme, allowing for rich imagery and tension. The subsequent sestet offers resolution or reflection with varied rhyme schemes like CDCDCD, allowing poets to explore different perspectives and emotional shifts, ultimately enriching the poem's meaning.
• Compare and contrast the Petrarchan sonnet with other sonnet forms, particularly the Shakespearean sonnet.
  • While both Petrarchan and Shakespearean sonnets are 14 lines long and employ iambic pentameter, they differ significantly in structure. The Petrarchan sonnet features an octave followed by a sestet, usually with an ABBAABBA rhyme scheme in the octave. In contrast, the Shakespearean sonnet consists of three quatrains followed by a rhymed couplet, typically using an ABABCDCDEFEFGG rhyme scheme. This structural difference impacts how themes are developed; Petrarchan sonnets often emphasize emotional transitions through their 'volta,' while Shakespearean sonnets build up to a final statement or twist in the couplet.
• Evaluate the impact of Petrarchan sonnets on later poetic forms and their relevance in contemporary literature.
  • Petrarchan sonnets have significantly influenced later poetic forms by establishing a template for exploring complex emotions and themes through structured verse. Their emphasis on emotional contrasts and philosophical reflection has inspired modern poets to experiment with variations of this form while maintaining its essence. In contemporary literature, elements of the Petrarchan sonnet can be seen in free verse poetry that still embraces structured emotional shifts, highlighting its lasting relevance as poets seek to convey depth and resonance in their work.

Related terms

Sonnet:

A sonnet is a 14-line poem with a specific rhyme scheme and meter, often exploring themes of love, beauty, and nature.

Rhyme Scheme: The pattern of rhymes at the end of each line in a poem, which can help establish the structure and rhythm of the piece.

Sestet: The final six lines of a Petrarchan sonnet that often resolve the problem or question posed in the preceding octave.