Sonnet

Definition

A sonnet is a structured poetic form that traditionally consists of 14 lines, typically written in iambic pentameter, and follows a specific rhyme scheme. It is known for its expressive capacity and often explores themes of love, beauty, and the passage of time. The sonnet's rigid format challenges poets to convey profound emotions and ideas within a limited space, making it a central form in lyric poetry.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Sonnets are commonly divided into two main types: the Petrarchan (or Italian) sonnet, which consists of an octave and a sestet, and the Shakespearean (or English) sonnet, which features three quatrains followed by a couplet.
2. The volta, or turn, is an essential part of a sonnet where the theme shifts or evolves, often occurring between the octave and sestet in Petrarchan sonnets or at the start of the final couplet in Shakespearean sonnets.
3. Famous sonnet writers include William Shakespeare, Petrarch, and John Milton, whose works have significantly influenced the use of this poetic form in literature.
4. Sonnets often utilize literary devices such as metaphor, simile, and personification to enhance emotional depth and meaning.
5. The thematic focus of sonnets can vary widely, encompassing love, nature, mortality, and the poet's introspection, making them versatile for expressing complex human experiences.

Review Questions

• How do the structures of Petrarchan and Shakespearean sonnets differ, and what are their respective effects on the themes they explore?
  • Petrarchan sonnets consist of an octave followed by a sestet, creating a shift in theme known as the volta after the first eight lines. This structure allows for a presentation of a problem or situation followed by a resolution or reflection. In contrast, Shakespearean sonnets feature three quatrains and a final couplet, providing more opportunities for development and nuance within the theme. This difference in structure influences how emotions are conveyed and how complex ideas unfold throughout the poem.
• Discuss the significance of the volta in a sonnet and how it enhances the overall emotional impact of the poem.
  • The volta serves as a critical turning point in a sonnet where the poet shifts perspective or introduces a contrasting idea. This transition can heighten emotional tension and deepen the reader's engagement with the poem's theme. By juxtaposing two different ideas or emotions before and after the volta, poets create a richer exploration of complex feelings, such as love's contradictions or life's fleeting nature. This technique allows for greater reflection on the subject matter as readers are led through an emotional journey.
• Evaluate how sonnets have influenced modern poetry in terms of form and thematic expression.
  • Sonnets have had a lasting influence on modern poetry by establishing standards for poetic form that emphasize brevity and structural integrity while allowing for deep thematic exploration. Many contemporary poets adopt or adapt the sonnet's 14-line framework to challenge themselves creatively or to pay homage to traditional styles. The themes explored within sonnets—such as love, loss, and self-reflection—continue to resonate with modern audiences. As poets experiment with rhyme schemes and meter derived from the sonnet tradition, they maintain a connection to literary history while pushing boundaries in their own work.

Related terms

Iambic Pentameter: A metrical pattern consisting of five feet (iambs) per line, where each foot contains an unstressed syllable followed by a stressed syllable.

Rhyme Scheme: The pattern of rhymes at the end of each line in a poem, often denoted using letters to represent sounds.

Lyric Poetry: A category of poetry that expresses personal emotions and thoughts, often in a musical and rhythmic style.