key term - Volta

Definition

Volta refers to a shift or turn in thought, tone, or argument within a poem, particularly in sonnets. This change is crucial as it typically marks the transition from the problem or situation presented in the earlier part of the poem to a resolution or a new perspective in the latter part. The volta is particularly significant in sonnets, highlighting the contrast between the two stanzas or parts of the poem, enhancing emotional depth and meaning.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In a Petrarchan sonnet, the volta typically appears at the start of the sestet, creating a pivotal shift from the problem presented in the octave.
2. In Shakespearean sonnets, the volta can often be found at the beginning of the third quatrain or sometimes even in the final couplet, offering a resolution or twist.
3. The presence of a volta is crucial for creating tension and release within a sonnet, as it allows poets to explore contrasting ideas or emotions.
4. The term 'volta' comes from the Italian word for 'turn,' emphasizing its function as a turning point in poetic structure.
5. Recognizing the volta helps readers understand how poets manipulate form and meaning to enhance emotional impact and deepen thematic exploration.

Review Questions

• How does the volta function within both Petrarchan and Shakespearean sonnets?
  • The volta serves as a critical turning point in both Petrarchan and Shakespearean sonnets, but it appears in different structural locations. In Petrarchan sonnets, it typically occurs between the octave and sestet, marking a transition from problem to resolution. In contrast, Shakespearean sonnets often place the volta at the beginning of the third quatrain or in the final couplet, providing a twist or new perspective that culminates the poem's exploration.
• Discuss the significance of recognizing the volta when analyzing themes in sonnets.
  • Recognizing the volta is essential for understanding how themes are developed in sonnets. The shift introduced by the volta not only marks a change in tone or perspective but also highlights contrasting ideas that are crucial to thematic exploration. By paying attention to where and how the volta occurs, readers can better appreciate how poets create tension and resolution within their work, ultimately enriching their interpretation of love, nature, or human experience.
• Evaluate how different placements of the volta affect reader perception in various sonnet forms.
  • The placement of the volta greatly influences reader perception and engagement with themes in different sonnet forms. In Petrarchan sonnets, with its clear division between problem and resolution, readers may experience a more dramatic emotional shift. Conversely, in Shakespearean sonnets, where the volta can occur later on, it adds complexity and layers to character emotions and situations. This variation impacts how readers connect with each poem's central message and underscores each poet's unique approach to thematic expression through form.

Related terms

Sonnet:

A poetic form that consists of 14 lines, typically written in iambic pentameter, often exploring themes of love, nature, and mortality.

Petrarchan Sonnet:

A type of sonnet that features an octave followed by a sestet, where the volta usually occurs between these two sections.

Shakespearean Sonnet:

A form of sonnet consisting of three quatrains followed by a final couplet, where the volta often appears towards the beginning of the third quatrain.