The Petrarchan sonnet, also known as the Italian sonnet, is one of the most iconic and enduring forms of poetry. Its distinct structure and lyrical quality have made it a favorite among poets for centuries. This article aims to provide a clear, step-by-step guide on how to write a Petrarchan sonnet. From understanding its history and structure to offering practical tips for crafting your own, this guide will help you navigate the nuances of this poetic form.
Introduction to the Petrarchan Sonnet
The Petrarchan sonnet traces its origins to the Italian poet Petrarch (1304-1374). It became one of the most influential forms of poetry in the Renaissance and remains a staple in the canon of Western literature. A typical Petrarchan sonnet consists of 14 lines and follows a specific rhyme scheme and structure. Unlike other sonnets, such as the Shakespearean sonnet, which divides the 14 lines into three quatrains and a final couplet, the Petrarchan sonnet is divided into two parts: an octave and a sestet.
The division between the octave and sestet is called the volta, which is the “turn” in the argument or mood of the poem. This shift can happen between the eighth and ninth lines and often represents a change in tone or perspective.
Understanding the Volta and its Significance
In a Petrarchan sonnet, the volta is a key structural element. It marks a shift in the poem’s argument or emotional trajectory. The volta can serve various purposes, such as a turn in the speaker’s understanding of the subject matter or a change in their emotional response.
Problem to Solution: In the octave, the speaker may present a problem (often an emotional conflict or philosophical question), and in the sestet, the speaker may offer a solution, reflection, or resolution.
Transition in Tone: The volta may represent a shift from despair to hope, from confusion to clarity, or from a personal reflection to a more universal statement.
Example of Volta in Petrarchan Sonnet:
In Petrarch’s own sonnets, the volta often signals a change in his relationship with the beloved Laura, whom he idealizes in his poetry. The speaker’s longing and frustration in the octave may turn to a sense of resolution or acceptance in the sestet.
Meter in a Petrarchan Sonnet
The Petrarchan sonnet is typically written in iambic pentameter, a meter that consists of five pairs of unstressed and stressed syllables (da-DUM). This rhythmic structure contributes to the flow and musicality of the sonnet. Each line in iambic pentameter is ten syllables long, with the stress pattern alternating between unstressed and stressed syllables.
Example of Iambic Pentameter:
“When I consider how my light is spent”
This line of iambic pentameter consists of five iambs, each with an unstressed syllable followed by a stressed syllable.
While iambic pentameter is the most common meter for Petrarchan sonnets, some poets might occasionally depart from it for emphasis or stylistic reasons. This variation can serve to highlight important moments in the poem or create a distinct rhythm.
Thematic Elements of a Petrarchan Sonnet
Petrarchan sonnets often explore themes of love, beauty, and the passage of time. In particular, Petrarch himself famously used the form to express his unrequited love for Laura, a woman he admired from afar. Many sonnets in this tradition are deeply introspective, exploring the speaker’s emotional turmoil, idealization of a beloved, and the paradoxes inherent in their feelings.
However, the Petrarchan sonnet is not confined to these themes. Poets have used the form to explore a wide range of topics, from political concerns to philosophical musings.
Common Themes
Love and Unrequited Love: As seen in Petrarch’s own sonnets, the Petrarchan sonnet often expresses the longing, frustration, and unattainability associated with love.
Beauty and Idealization: The speaker may idealize the subject of their affection, elevating them to an almost divine or unattainable status.
Time and Mortality: The passage of time and the inevitability of death are recurring themes. Poets often reflect on the fleeting nature of life and beauty, imbuing their sonnets with a sense of melancholy.
Conflict or Problem Resolution: The form’s division into two sections (octave and sestet) allows for a clear presentation of a problem and a resolution, making it ideal for exploring inner conflict or philosophical questions.
Crafting a Petrarchan Sonnet: A Step-by-Step Guide
Now that you have a clear understanding of the structure and themes of the Petrarchan sonnet, let’s break down the process of writing one. The steps below will guide you through the creation of a sonnet from inception to completion.
Step 1: Choose Your Theme
Before you begin writing, decide on a theme or subject for your sonnet. You may want to write about love, nature, time, or an internal conflict. Since the Petrarchan sonnet often involves a problem or emotional tension, consider how you might present an issue in the first eight lines (the octave) and resolve or reflect upon it in the final six (the sestet).
Step 2: Write the Octave
The first eight lines should introduce the problem, question, or emotional conflict. Use the ABBAABBA rhyme scheme, where the first and eighth lines rhyme with each other, as do the second and seventh lines, the third and sixth lines, and the fourth and fifth lines.
In the octave, you should establish a sense of emotional tension or contemplation. This might involve a speaker reflecting on a love unfulfilled, an internal conflict, or a personal crisis.
Step 3: Introduce the Volta
At the beginning of the ninth line (the first line of the sestet), the volta should occur. This marks the turning point in the poem, where the tone or argument shifts. The volta can signal a change in the speaker’s perspective, emotional state, or even a resolution to the problem posed in the octave.
From longing or frustration to acceptance or realization.
From questioning to answering.
Step 4: Write the Sestet
The final six lines should provide a resolution, conclusion, or shift in tone that counters the problem or tension established in the octave. The rhyme scheme for the sestet can be CDCDCD or CDECDE, and it’s essential that the sestet reflects or resolves the issue raised in the first eight lines.
Step 5: Pay Attention to Meter
Ensure that the lines of your sonnet are written in iambic pentameter, with five metrical feet per line, where each foot consists of an unstressed syllable followed by a stressed syllable. Read the lines aloud to check the rhythm and ensure they flow naturally.
Refining Your Sonnet: Editing and Polishing
After you’ve written your first draft, it’s time to refine and edit. Review your sonnet for the following:
Rhyme and Rhythm: Ensure that the rhyme scheme is consistent and that the meter follows iambic pentameter.
Clarity and Precision: A sonnet is short, so every word counts. Remove unnecessary words and make sure each line contributes to the poem’s meaning.
Tone and Emotion: Check if the volta provides a satisfying shift in tone. Does it resolve the tension? Is the mood of the poem consistent?
Conclusion
Writing a Petrarchan sonnet requires both an understanding of its form and an ability to craft meaningful, emotionally resonant poetry. By mastering the octave-sestet structure, adhering to the rhyme and meter, and utilizing the volta to create a compelling shift in tone, you can compose a sonnet that not only follows tradition but also brings fresh insight into the themes of love, time, and conflict.
Whether you are writing about personal experiences or engaging with universal themes, the Petrarchan sonnet provides a powerful framework for expressing complex emotions and ideas. So, take the time to experiment with the form and discover how the elegance and structure of the Petrarchan sonnet can enhance your poetic voice.
