Sonnets are among the most enduring forms of poetry, a genre used by countless poets, including Shakespeare, Petrarch, and John Keats. A sonnet consists of 14 lines, often written in iambic pentameter, and it adheres to a specific rhyme scheme. One of the most intriguing aspects of the sonnet form is the “shift,” a change in tone, perspective, or argument that occurs within the poem. This transition plays a vital role in shaping the poem’s meaning and emotional depth. The sonnet shift, also known as a “volta” (Italian for “turn”), is often seen as the moment the poet pivots or reconsiders the idea or emotion previously expressed. The structure of a sonnet allows this shift to be distinct, highlighting the change in thought and creating a more dynamic experience for the reader.
In this article, we will explore the concept of the sonnet shift, how it functions within different sonnet forms, its importance in poetry, and how it contributes to the sonnet’s lasting appeal. We will also look at examples from classical works and contemporary sonneteers to illustrate how the sonnet shift continues to captivate audiences.
Understanding the Sonnet Form
To fully appreciate the significance of the sonnet shift, it is important to first understand the basic structure of a sonnet. A traditional sonnet consists of 14 lines, and it is usually written in iambic pentameter, which means each line has ten syllables in a specific unstressed-stressed pattern. Sonnets typically fall into one of two major categories: the Petrarchan Sonnet (also known as the Italian Sonnet) and the Shakespearean Sonnet (also known as the English Sonnet).
Petrarchan Sonnet
The Petrarchan sonnet is divided into two parts: the octave (the first eight lines) and the sestet (the last six lines). The rhyme scheme of the octave is typically ABBAABBA, while the sestet can follow a variety of patterns, such as CDCDCD or CDECDE. The volta traditionally occurs between the eighth and ninth lines, marking a shift from the problem, question, or theme introduced in the octave to the resolution, answer, or counterpoint provided in the sestet.
Shakespearean Sonnet
The Shakespearean sonnet is composed of three quatrains (four-line stanzas) followed by a couplet (two-line stanza). The rhyme scheme for this form is ABAB CDCD EFEF GG. In Shakespearean sonnets, the shift usually happens at the start of the third quatrain (line 9) or at the final couplet, where the poet introduces a conclusion or resolution to the ideas and tensions developed in the previous quatrains.
The Function of the Sonnet Shift
The sonnet shift is a crucial element in the construction of meaning within the poem. It serves several purposes, including:
Introducing a New Perspective
The volta provides an opportunity for the poet to present a new perspective on the subject of the poem. In the Petrarchan sonnet, the shift often changes the tone from despair or contemplation to a sense of hope or resolve. In the Shakespearean sonnet, the shift may offer a revelation, twist, or reflection, deepening the emotional resonance of the poem.
Creating Contrast or Tension
The volta creates contrast between the first and second halves of the poem. It heightens the emotional intensity by shifting from a problem or unresolved issue to a more thoughtful conclusion or epiphany. The juxtaposition between the two parts of the sonnet often enhances the tension and makes the resolution more poignant.
Revealing the Poet’s Thought Process
The shift allows the poet to demonstrate a change in thought or emotional state. This can mirror the process of internal reflection, where the poet moves from confusion to clarity, from frustration to acceptance, or from longing to fulfillment.
Adding Complexity and Depth
The sonnet shift adds complexity and layers of meaning to the poem. Without this transition, the poem could feel static or one-dimensional. The shift keeps the reader engaged by altering the emotional landscape and forcing a reevaluation of the initial themes.
Types of Shifts in Sonnets
There are different ways in which a sonnet shift can manifest depending on the thematic and structural choices of the poet. Here are some examples of the various types of shifts that may appear in sonnets:
Emotional Shift
An emotional shift occurs when the tone of the poem changes, often from despair or confusion to hope or joy. This emotional turn can surprise the reader and provide a sense of closure or resolution. For example, in a love sonnet, the poet may begin by lamenting unrequited love, only to shift towards celebrating the beauty of the beloved in the latter half.
Thematic Shift
Thematic shifts occur when the poet changes the subject matter or the focus of the poem. This could involve moving from a physical description to an emotional reflection, or from a personal experience to a more universal insight. This type of shift provides contrast, making the final lines of the poem more impactful.
Philosophical or Ideological Shift
A sonnet may also shift in terms of its philosophical or ideological stance. For instance, a poet may begin by presenting a skeptical or cynical view on love, only to shift to a more optimistic or spiritual perspective by the end of the sonnet. This type of shift invites the reader to reconsider their own beliefs or assumptions about life, love, or nature.
Structural Shift
In some cases, the shift is marked not only by a change in tone or theme but also by a change in the poem’s structure. For instance, in the Shakespearean sonnet, the volta often coincides with the final rhyming couplet. The couplet can provide a surprising twist or commentary on the previous lines, creating a sudden change in direction.
The Sonnet Shift in Classic Examples
To better understand the role of the sonnet shift, let’s look at two classic examples of sonnets where the shift is prominent.
Petrarch’s Sonnet 61
In Petrarch’s Sonnet 61, the poet speaks of his inner turmoil over his love for Laura. In the octave, he expresses the pain of unrequited love and the overwhelming torment it causes him. However, in the sestet, the tone shifts to one of acceptance and resolve. Petrarch writes, “But that one soul, my sole joy, does not know / The grief that on my heart, forever sown, / Lives as a wound.” The volta between the octave and sestet marks a significant emotional shift—from despair to understanding and emotional growth.
Shakespeare’s Sonnet 18
In Shakespeare’s famous Sonnet 18, the poet begins by comparing the beloved to a summer’s day, but he acknowledges that summer can be flawed with rough winds and short duration. The volta, or shift, occurs at the start of the third quatrain when Shakespeare writes, “But thy eternal summer shall not fade.” The volta shifts the tone from contemplation on the fleeting nature of beauty to the eternal, immortal beauty of the beloved, which is preserved through the poem itself.
The Importance of the Sonnet Shift
The sonnet shift serves a critical function not only within the individual poem but also within the broader context of the sonnet form. It is a structural tool that allows poets to engage with a topic from multiple angles and to present ideas in a dynamic way. The volta gives the sonnet its distinctive dramatic flair, transforming the poem from a static expression of feeling into a more intricate and multi-layered work of art.
Moreover, the sonnet shift offers a moment of surprise or revelation. Readers are drawn into the poem’s progression, only to have their expectations shifted in unexpected ways. This is a key reason why sonnets remain a beloved form—both for their structural elegance and for the emotional depth that the shift can bring to the poem.
Conclusion
The sonnet shift is an essential feature of one of the most enduring forms of poetry. It marks the transition from one thought, emotion, or idea to another, often introducing a moment of clarity, resolution, or revelation. Whether it is an emotional, thematic, philosophical, or structural shift, the volta allows the poet to guide the reader through a complex web of thoughts and emotions, adding layers of depth to the poem.
By examining the function and significance of the sonnet shift, we gain a deeper understanding of how sonnets work and why they continue to captivate readers centuries after they were first written. The volta is not simply a structural requirement—it is a fundamental element of the sonnet that enriches the meaning and impact of the poem, making it a timeless and powerful form of expression.
