Sonnet

Definition

A sonnet is a 14-line poem that typically follows a specific rhyme scheme and meter, often exploring themes of love, beauty, and the passage of time. This form is highly structured, allowing poets to express complex emotions within a confined format, and has been a vital part of poetry throughout various literary movements.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Sonnets originated in Italy during the Renaissance and were popularized by poets like Petrarch before spreading to England.
2. There are two primary types of sonnets: the Shakespearean (or English) sonnet and the Petrarchan (or Italian) sonnet, each with its own distinct structure and rhyme scheme.
3. The strict structure of a sonnet encourages poets to convey deep emotional and philosophical ideas concisely.
4. Sonnets often utilize literary devices such as metaphor, simile, and personification to enhance their thematic expressions.
5. The volta, or 'turn,' is a crucial element in sonnets where the poem shifts in tone or argument, often occurring between the octave and sestet in Petrarchan sonnets.

Review Questions

• How does the structure of a sonnet influence its emotional expression?
  • The structure of a sonnet, with its fixed 14 lines and specific rhyme schemes, allows poets to express complex emotions in a concise manner. The constraints of the form require careful word choice and precise imagery, which can heighten the emotional impact. Additionally, the volta serves as a pivotal moment in the poem where the emotional direction can shift dramatically, creating a powerful contrast that enhances the reader's experience.
• Compare and contrast the features of Shakespearean and Petrarchan sonnets.
  • Shakespearean and Petrarchan sonnets differ primarily in their structure and rhyme schemes. A Shakespearean sonnet consists of three quatrains followed by a rhymed couplet (ABABCDCDEFEFGG), allowing for multiple themes or perspectives to be explored. In contrast, a Petrarchan sonnet is divided into an octave and a sestet (ABBAABBA CDCDCD), typically focusing on a single theme or argument. These structural differences affect how ideas develop within each form.
• Evaluate the cultural significance of the sonnet form in both Renaissance and Victorian poetry.
  • The sonnet form played a significant role in both Renaissance and Victorian poetry by acting as a medium for exploring themes of love, beauty, and existential questions. During the Renaissance, poets like Petrarch established the sonnet as a vehicle for personal expression and romantic ideals. By the Victorian era, poets adapted the form to address societal issues, personal struggles, and philosophical inquiries, showcasing its versatility. The enduring popularity of the sonnet reflects its ability to capture complex human emotions across different time periods.

Related terms

iambic pentameter:

A common meter in poetry that consists of five iambs per line, where an iamb is a metrical foot with an unstressed syllable followed by a stressed syllable.

Shakespearean sonnet: A type of sonnet made famous by William Shakespeare, consisting of three quatrains followed by a couplet, typically following the ABABCDCDEFEFGG rhyme scheme.

Petrarchan sonnet: A form of sonnet originating from the Italian poet Petrarch, structured into an octave and a sestet, usually following the ABBAABBA CDCDCD rhyme scheme.