Sonnet

Definition

A sonnet is a poetic form consisting of 14 lines, typically written in iambic pentameter, that adheres to specific rhyme schemes. It often explores themes of love, nature, and human experience, making it a versatile medium for expressing complex emotions and ideas, particularly in the Romantic era.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Sonnets were popularized in English literature during the Renaissance, with significant contributions from poets like William Shakespeare and John Milton.
2. Wordsworth and Coleridge both used the sonnet form to explore themes such as nature, emotion, and the human condition, highlighting its flexibility in conveying deep sentiments.
3. The Shakespearean sonnet structure features three quatrains followed by a couplet and typically employs a rhyme scheme of ABABCDCDEFEFGG.
4. Coleridge often used the sonnet form to express philosophical ideas and personal reflections, which can be seen in his famous work 'Dejection: An Ode.'
5. Wordsworth's sonnets frequently reflect his deep connection with nature and his belief in the transformative power of the natural world on human emotions.

Review Questions

• How do Wordsworth and Coleridge utilize the sonnet form to convey their themes?
  • Wordsworth and Coleridge both effectively use the sonnet form to explore themes like nature and human emotion. Wordsworth often highlights his connection with nature, employing vivid imagery and deep reflections on personal experience. In contrast, Coleridge uses the form to delve into more philosophical explorations, allowing him to articulate complex emotional states and insights about the human experience.
• What are the main structural differences between a Petrarchan sonnet and a Shakespearean sonnet?
  • The main structural differences lie in their format and rhyme schemes. A Petrarchan sonnet consists of an octave followed by a sestet with an ABBAABBA rhyme scheme for the octave, while a Shakespearean sonnet consists of three quatrains followed by a rhymed couplet with an ABABCDCDEFEFGG rhyme scheme. These differences influence how themes are developed and resolved within the poems.
• In what ways do Wordsworth's and Coleridge's approaches to the sonnet reflect broader Romantic ideals?
  • Wordsworth's and Coleridge's approaches to the sonnet embody key Romantic ideals such as individual emotion, the beauty of nature, and a quest for deeper understanding of human experience. Their use of the sonnet allows for personal reflection that emphasizes emotional authenticity. Furthermore, both poets' explorations of nature align with Romanticism's focus on the sublime and its impact on human feelings, showcasing how they navigated their internal worlds through this structured poetic form.

Related terms

iambic pentameter:

A metrical pattern consisting of five pairs of syllables, where each pair has an unstressed syllable followed by a stressed syllable, commonly used in sonnets.

rhyme scheme:

The ordered pattern of rhymes at the end of each line in a poem, which helps establish structure and rhythm; common schemes in sonnets include ABABCDCDEFEFGG.

Petrarchan sonnet: A type of sonnet named after the Italian poet Petrarch, consisting of an octave followed by a sestet, usually following the rhyme scheme ABBAABBA for the octave.