When we think of poetry, certain forms come to mind: haikus, free verse, and, of course, sonnets. Sonnet poetry has a long history, dating back to the 13th century, and has been used by some of the most well-known poets, including William Shakespeare and Petrarch. In modern times, poets like Rita Dove have continued the tradition of writing sonnets, though their approaches often differ from those of their predecessors. But why did Rita Dove choose to call one of her poems a sonnet? What is the most likely reason behind this choice? In this article, we’ll explore the structure and significance of the sonnet form, how Rita Dove uses it in her work, and the meaning behind her decision to call her poem a sonnet.
A sonnet, at its core, is a highly structured poem that follows specific rules. These rules include the number of lines (14), a particular rhyme scheme, and a set meter, often iambic pentameter. While these rules were once strict, modern poets, like Rita Dove, have become more flexible with them, experimenting with form and content while still calling their works sonnets. By looking closely at the choices Rita Dove made in her poem, we can understand her reasoning for labeling it as a sonnet, and how she uses this form to convey her message.
The History of the Sonnet Form
The sonnet has a rich history that traces back to the 13th century in Italy. The word “sonnet” itself comes from the Italian word sonetto, meaning “a little sound” or “a little song.” The form was popularized by the poet Petrarch, who set the standard for the Petrarchan sonnet, a structure that consists of 14 lines divided into two parts: an eight-line octave and a six-line sestet. The rhyme scheme for this type of sonnet is typically abba abba for the octave, with the sestet following one of several possible patterns, such as cde cde or cdc dcd.
In England, the sonnet form was adapted by poets like Sir Thomas Wyatt and Henry Howard, Earl of Surrey. But it was William Shakespeare who revolutionized the English sonnet. His version, known as the Shakespearean or English sonnet, consists of three quatrains followed by a final rhymed couplet. The rhyme scheme for a Shakespearean sonnet is abab cdcd efef gg. The meter for both Petrarchan and Shakespearean sonnets is typically iambic pentameter, a rhythmic pattern of ten syllables per line, with an alternating pattern of unstressed and stressed syllables.
Over time, the sonnet form has evolved and been adapted by many poets. Some poets, like Rita Dove, keep the traditional structure intact, while others experiment with it, bending the rules to fit their unique style and voice. Despite these changes, the sonnet form continues to be a popular and versatile tool for poets to express their thoughts, emotions, and observations.
The Importance of Structure in Sonnets
One of the defining characteristics of a sonnet is its structure. The rigid rules of rhyme and meter can seem limiting, but many poets find them liberating. Structure provides a framework that allows for creative exploration within set boundaries. This tension between restriction and freedom is a key element of what makes sonnet writing both challenging and rewarding.
When Rita Dove chooses to write a poem in the form of a sonnet, she is engaging with this tradition of structure. The sonnet form offers a distinct way of organizing thoughts, guiding the reader through a progression of ideas or emotions. The tightness of the form forces the poet to be precise and intentional with each word, often making the poem more focused and impactful.
However, as we will see in Dove’s poem, the traditional rules of the sonnet are not always strictly adhered to. Instead, the structure becomes a starting point for Dove to explore her themes, which can include identity, memory, love, and loss. By choosing the sonnet form, Dove signals to the reader that the poem will follow certain expectations, but also that she is free to bend or break those rules in service of her message.
Rita Dove and Her Use of the Sonnet Form
Rita Dove, who served as the U.S. Poet Laureate from 1993 to 1995, is known for her versatility and mastery of various poetic forms. While she is recognized for her ability to write in free verse, she has also written numerous sonnets, often with her own unique twist. In her collection Mother Love (1999), Dove experiments with the traditional sonnet form, but her poems deviate from the norms in meaningful ways.
Dove is a poet who deeply appreciates the history and structure of the sonnet, yet she often reshapes the form to suit her artistic vision. In some of her sonnets, she follows the traditional rhyme scheme and meter, while in others, she allows more freedom, mixing rhyme with unrhymed lines or altering the meter. This blending of old and new is part of what makes her work distinctive and engaging.
When Dove uses the sonnet form, she does not necessarily aim to conform to every rule. Instead, she uses it as a tool to deepen her exploration of themes like race, history, and personal experience. The sonnet’s compact structure allows her to condense complex ideas and emotions into a small, controlled space. The form also reflects the tension between constraint and freedom, which mirrors the struggles and triumphs she often writes about.
In one of her more famous sonnets, “Sonnet,” Dove uses the traditional 14-line structure to reflect on the nature of the sonnet itself. The poem demonstrates her ability to manipulate the form while still honoring its historical roots. By using the sonnet, Dove invites the reader into a conversation about the form’s significance and its role in the expression of human experience.
Why Call It a Sonnet?
So, why did Rita Dove choose to call her poem a sonnet? The most likely reason is that the form’s historical and structural qualities align with the themes she wishes to explore. The sonnet has long been associated with love, beauty, and reflection—topics that are central to many of Dove’s poems. By choosing this form, Dove is participating in a long literary tradition, yet she also uses it to make her own statement about the limits and possibilities of language.
The sonnet form allows Dove to distill complex emotions and ideas into a concise, powerful expression. The 14 lines provide just enough room to develop an idea, explore it in depth, and then bring it to a satisfying conclusion. This structure mirrors the way Dove often approaches her subjects: by honing in on a specific moment or feeling, and then expanding on it to reveal deeper truths.
Furthermore, the sonnet form is often associated with formal occasions, such as weddings or royal ceremonies, which can carry a sense of gravitas. By using this form, Dove elevates her subject matter, imbuing it with a sense of importance and timelessness. At the same time, her modern approach to the form makes it feel relevant and fresh, bridging the gap between the past and the present.
In addition to its structural qualities, the sonnet also offers a rich emotional and symbolic framework. The volta, or turn, often found at the beginning of the ninth line, marks a shift in the poem’s argument or perspective. This shift allows for a moment of resolution or transformation, which can be particularly effective in exploring themes of change, loss, or growth. In her sonnets, Dove often plays with this turn, using it to create a sense of movement and development within the poem.
Conclusion
Rita Dove’s decision to call her poem a sonnet is not just about adhering to tradition—it is about using the form as a powerful tool to express complex ideas in a compact and focused manner. The sonnet offers a structured space in which Dove can explore themes of love, memory, identity, and transformation, while also engaging with a centuries-old literary tradition. Whether she follows the rules strictly or bends them to suit her needs, Dove’s use of the sonnet form enhances her ability to convey meaning and evoke emotion.
The sonnet’s historical significance, its emotional depth, and its structural constraints all make it an ideal choice for a poet like Rita Dove, who is interested in exploring the intersections of the personal and the universal. By choosing to write in this form, Dove not only pays homage to the poets who came before her, but she also demonstrates her mastery of language and her ability to innovate within the boundaries of tradition. Ultimately, the most likely reason Rita Dove chose to call her poem a sonnet is because the form allows her to express her themes in a way that is both timeless and relevant, structured yet flexible, and deeply resonant with the reader.
