Volta

Definition

The volta, often referred to as the 'turn,' is a rhetorical shift or dramatic change in thought and feeling that occurs in a poem, particularly in sonnets. It typically marks a transition between the problem and resolution, or from one perspective to another, allowing poets to explore complex emotional landscapes and engage readers in deeper themes.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The volta is crucial in both Petrarchan and Shakespearean sonnets, marking a pivotal moment where the poem's theme shifts.
2. In Petrarchan sonnets, the volta often occurs between the octave and sestet, introducing a resolution or new perspective on the initial problem.
3. Shakespearean sonnets may place the volta in various locations, commonly at the end of the third quatrain or within the final couplet to deliver a surprise or conclusion.
4. The use of volta allows poets to create emotional tension by contrasting ideas or feelings, enhancing the overall impact of their work.
5. Recognizing the volta can greatly enhance understanding of a poem's structure and its thematic development, making it a key aspect of analyzing Renaissance poetry.

Review Questions

• How does the placement of the volta differ between Petrarchan and Shakespearean sonnets, and what is its significance in each form?
  • In Petrarchan sonnets, the volta typically occurs at the transition between the octave and sestet, marking a shift from problem to resolution. In contrast, Shakespearean sonnets may feature the volta at various points, often at the end of the third quatrain or within the final couplet. This difference in placement highlights how each form uses the volta to enhance emotional complexity and thematic depth within their unique structures.
• Discuss how poets use the volta to explore complex emotions and themes within their work.
  • Poets employ the volta as a strategic tool to introduce shifts in tone or perspective that deepen emotional engagement. By contrasting differing feelings or ideas at this turning point, poets can create tension and resolution within their verses. This ability to pivot dramatically enables them to delve into intricate themes such as love, loss, and transformation, encouraging readers to reflect on their own experiences and interpretations.
• Evaluate how recognizing the volta enhances one's understanding of Renaissance poetry's stylistic features and emotional depth.
  • Recognizing the volta significantly enriches one's interpretation of Renaissance poetry by illuminating how poets manipulate structure to convey emotional shifts. The volta serves as a marker for crucial transitions that often reflect broader themes of conflict and resolution inherent in human experience. By understanding this element, readers can appreciate how Renaissance poets crafted intricate emotional landscapes that invite deeper reflection and connection with universal themes across their works.

Related terms

Sonnet: A poetic form consisting of 14 lines, often written in iambic pentameter, that explores themes of love, beauty, and nature.

Petrarchan Sonnet: A type of sonnet that consists of an octave and a sestet, following the rhyme scheme ABBAABBA for the octave, often featuring a volta between the two sections.

Shakespearean Sonnet: A type of sonnet composed of three quatrains followed by a couplet, with a rhyme scheme of ABABCDCDEFEFGG, typically featuring a volta in the third quatrain or the final couplet.