A sonnet is one of the most enduring and celebrated forms of poetry. With its strict structure, historical significance, and emotional depth, the sonnet has captivated poets and readers alike for centuries. From Shakespeare to contemporary poets, the sonnet remains a favorite tool for conveying complex ideas, emotions, and musings on love, time, and mortality.
But what exactly makes a sonnet a sonnet? In this article, we’ll explore the five key characteristics that define a sonnet, offering a thorough understanding of this poetic form. By analyzing these features in depth, we will also explore how poets have adapted and experimented with the sonnet, expanding its scope while still honoring its classical roots.
Fixed Structure: 14 Lines
One of the most defining features of a sonnet is its fixed structure of 14 lines. These lines are typically written in iambic pentameter, which means each line consists of ten syllables in a pattern of an unstressed syllable followed by a stressed one. This rhythmic structure creates a musical, flowing quality that is characteristic of the sonnet form.
The Importance of Line Count
The 14-line restriction has become almost symbolic of the sonnet itself. Whether written by Shakespeare, Petrarch, or a modern poet, this limitation creates a sense of balance and restraint. The structure encourages the poet to condense complex ideas into a relatively small space, fostering clarity and precision.
Historically, sonnets originated in Italy with Petrarch in the 14th century, who set the pattern of 14 lines. The Italian (or Petrarchan) sonnet typically divides the lines into two parts: an octave (eight lines) and a sestet (six lines). The division between the two sections is crucial to understanding the emotional flow of the sonnet. In the Shakespearean (or English) sonnet, the 14 lines are divided into three quatrains (four-line stanzas) and a couplet (a two-line stanza), with a distinct thematic shift occurring at the start of the third quatrain or in the concluding couplet.
Examples of 14-Lined Sonnets
Here’s a comparison to illustrate how the 14-line rule works in both types of sonnets:
Petrarchan Sonnet (Italian):
An octave (ABBAABBA) followed by a sestet (CDECDE or CDCDCD).
Example: “Sonnet 3” by Petrarch
Shakespearean Sonnet (English):
Three quatrains (ABAB CDCD EFEF) followed by a rhymed couplet (GG).
Example: Shakespeare’s “Sonnet 18” (“Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day?”)
The fixed 14-line structure not only gives the sonnet its rhythm and flow but also challenges poets to find creative ways to develop their themes, emotions, or arguments within a constrained space.
Rhyme Scheme
In addition to its fixed length, a sonnet follows a specific rhyme scheme, which dictates how the ends of the lines rhyme with each other. The rhyme scheme contributes to the sonnet’s musicality, a key element that distinguishes it from other poetic forms.
The Two Main Rhyme Schemes
Petrarchan (Italian) Sonnet:
The rhyme scheme of the Petrarchan sonnet is typically ABBAABBA for the octave, with the sestet adopting a variable rhyme pattern such as CDECDE or CDCDCD.
The octave usually introduces a problem, question, or emotional tension, and the sestet provides a resolution, counterpoint, or shift in perspective.
Petrarch’s “Sonnet 61”
Octave (ABBAABBA): “The eyes that weep for you, bright star of mine”
Sestet (CDECDE): “You know that tears do not make death divine”
Shakespearean (English) Sonnet:
The Shakespearean sonnet has a different rhyme scheme of ABAB CDCD EFEF GG.
The three quatrains often develop different aspects of the theme, while the final rhymed couplet often delivers a twist, surprise, or philosophical reflection, providing closure or a punchline.
Shakespeare’s “Sonnet 18”
Quatrains (ABAB CDCD EFEF): “Rough winds do shake the darling buds of May,” followed by the progression of ideas.
Couplet (GG): “So long as men can breathe or eyes can see, / So long lives this, and this gives life to thee.”
Why Rhyme Matters
The rhyme scheme is essential because it imposes a sense of order and regularity. It also helps to unify the structure, contributing to the sonnet’s aesthetic appeal. Furthermore, the rhyme scheme can influence how a poet approaches the poem‘s thematic content. For example, the Shakespearean sonnet’s final couplet often contains a volta, or thematic shift, offering an unexpected twist, making the rhyme scheme a vital tool for poetic expression.
Volta: The Thematic Shift
The volta, which means “turn” in Italian, is a significant thematic shift that typically occurs in a sonnet. This shift often marks a change in perspective, tone, or argument, and is traditionally placed between the octave and sestet in a Petrarchan sonnet or at the start of the final couplet in a Shakespearean sonnet.
How the Volta Works
In a Petrarchan sonnet, the volta generally occurs after the eighth line, following the octave. The first eight lines often present a situation, problem, or emotional tension, while the last six lines of the sestet provide a resolution or new angle on the subject matter.
In a Shakespearean sonnet, the volta is usually found at the beginning of the final couplet, though it may also appear in the third quatrain. The shift in theme, tone, or argument at this point often serves to deepen the meaning of the poem, introduce a surprising element, or offer a concluding insight.
Examples of Volta in Sonnets
In “Sonnet 90” by Petrarch, the first eight lines (the octave) express his sorrow and longing for a woman who does not return his love. The volta occurs at the beginning of the sestet, where the poet shifts from despair to contemplation, realizing the futility of his emotional attachment.
In Shakespeare’s “Sonnet 18,” the volta appears in the final couplet: “So long as men can breathe or eyes can see, / So long lives this, and this gives life to thee.” The couplet shifts from a comparison to a declaration of immortality, making the poem transcend its original theme.
The volta is what gives the sonnet its emotional depth and dynamic quality, allowing for a shift in perspective that enriches the reader’s understanding of the poem’s theme.
Iambic Pentameter: A Rhythmic Structure
Another defining feature of the sonnet is its use of iambic pentameter. This refers to the meter, or rhythmic structure, that governs the lines of the poem. Iambic pentameter consists of five feet per line, each foot made up of two syllables, where the first is unstressed and the second is stressed (da-DUM).
Why Iambic Pentameter?
The use of iambic pentameter in the sonnet is deeply connected to its musicality and flow. The rhythm of iambic pentameter mirrors natural speech patterns, which makes it pleasing to the ear and easy to read. It also gives the sonnet a sense of elegance and sophistication, making it a preferred choice for serious poetic themes like love, time, and mortality.
The steady rhythm of iambic pentameter also allows poets to manipulate the flow of ideas and emotions. For example, Shakespeare often uses variations in meter to emphasize particular moments in his sonnets, such as the use of caesura (a pause within a line) or feminine endings (an extra syllable at the end of a line), to create tension or highlight important words or phrases.
Theme: Love, Time, and Nature
While a sonnet can technically explore any subject matter, love, time, and nature have traditionally been the most common themes for sonneteers. The rigid structure and rhyme schemes lend themselves well to the exploration of these deep, universal emotions.
Love
Love has been one of the most enduring subjects of the sonnet, with many famous sonneteers like Shakespeare, Petrarch, and John Donne dedicating their works to various forms of love. The form’s compactness allows the poet to convey the intensity and complexity of love within a limited number of lines.
Time
Time, often treated in conjunction with love, is another recurrent theme in sonnets. The fixed nature of the form mirrors the inescapable passage of time, while the volta often highlights a reflection on mortality or eternity.
Nature
Nature has been a traditional subject of poetry, and in sonnets, it is frequently explored in metaphors or symbolic terms, allowing poets to convey philosophical insights or personal emotions through natural imagery.
Examples of Themes in Sonnets
Shakespeare’s “Sonnet 60”: This sonnet is a meditation on the passage of time, expressing the inevitable decline of beauty and life itself.
Petrarch’s “Sonnet 61”: Petrarch’s sonnets often explore unrequited love, and in this one, the poet expresses both longing and despair.
Shakespeare’s “Sonnet 12”: This sonnet reflects on the impermanence of youth and beauty, using the passage of time as a central theme.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the sonnet’s five key characteristics—the fixed structure of 14 lines, the rhyme scheme, the volta, the iambic pentameter, and its thematic focus on love, time, and nature—combine to make the sonnet one of the most distinctive and revered forms of poetry. Through its centuries-long history, poets have maintained these characteristics while also experimenting with the form, infusing it with new themes, ideas, and styles. Whether used for personal reflection, romantic expression, or philosophical inquiry, the sonnet remains a powerful tool for capturing the complexities of human experience.
By adhering to these traditional features or innovating within them, poets continue to celebrate the enduring beauty and precision of the sonnet form, ensuring that it will remain a vital and dynamic part of literary culture for generations to come.
