A sonnet is a highly structured form of poetry that has captivated writers and readers for centuries. Its rhythmic cadence, intricate rhyme schemes, and evocative themes make it one of the most celebrated poetic forms in literary history. The rhyme scheme of a sonnet is central to its identity, providing a distinctive framework that influences how meaning is conveyed. In this article, we will explore the rhyme scheme of a sonnet in detail, understanding how it works, examining different types of sonnets, and considering how the rhyme scheme can be used to enhance the poem’s thematic impact.
What is a Sonnet?
Before diving into the specifics of the rhyme scheme, it is essential to define what a sonnet is. A sonnet is a 14-line poem, typically written in iambic pentameter, though other metrical forms can be used. Sonnets have long been associated with themes of love, beauty, nature, and the passage of time. The compact structure of the sonnet, with its 14 lines, allows poets to explore complex ideas in a concise and structured way. The rhyme scheme, which dictates how the ends of lines rhyme, plays a crucial role in giving the sonnet its unique form.
The Role of Rhyme Scheme in a Sonnet
The rhyme scheme of a sonnet refers to the specific pattern in which the poem’s lines rhyme. This pattern helps to create a sense of rhythm, unity, and flow. The use of rhyme also enables the poet to highlight certain words or phrases, creating emphasis and helping to establish a musical quality within the poem. In many cases, the rhyme scheme can also mirror or enhance the thematic development of the sonnet.
While the rhyme scheme of a sonnet may vary depending on the type of sonnet, it is almost always tightly structured. This structure, combined with the poet’s mastery over meter and rhyme, contributes to the sonnet’s ability to convey meaning and emotion in a profound way. Whether the sonnet follows a traditional form or deviates into more modern variations, the rhyme scheme remains a key element of its identity.
Types of Sonnets and Their Rhyme Schemes
There are several different types of sonnets, each with its own unique rhyme scheme. The two most prominent forms of the sonnet are the Shakespearean sonnet (also called the English sonnet) and the Petrarchan sonnet (also called the Italian sonnet). Each of these forms uses a distinct rhyme scheme, which plays a significant role in shaping the overall structure of the poem.
Shakespearean Sonnet (English Sonnet)
The Shakespearean sonnet is perhaps the most famous and widely recognized form of the sonnet. It is composed of 14 lines, which are divided into three quatrains (four-line stanzas) and a final rhymed couplet (two-line stanza). The rhyme scheme of a Shakespearean sonnet is as follows
In this scheme, the first and third lines rhyme with each other (A), the second and fourth lines rhyme with each other (B), and so on. The final couplet (GG) is where the poem concludes with two rhyming lines that often offer a resolution or a twist to the poem’s argument or theme.
The three quatrains allow for thematic exploration and development, while the final rhymed couplet typically provides a conclusion or a turn (known as the volta) in the argument or tone of the poem. This volta is often a shift in perspective or a change in direction that challenges or deepens the ideas presented in the earlier part of the poem.
A famous example of the Shakespearean sonnet is Sonnet 18, “Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day?” The rhyme scheme adheres strictly to the ABAB CDCD EFEF GG pattern, with each quatrain building upon the theme of the poem until the final couplet, which offers a timeless conclusion.
Petrarchan Sonnet (Italian Sonnet)
The Petrarchan sonnet is the older of the two forms, originating in Italy in the 14th century with the works of the poet Petrarch. It is also composed of 14 lines, but it differs from the Shakespearean sonnet in its structure and rhyme scheme. The Petrarchan sonnet is divided into two parts: the octave (the first eight lines) and the sestet (the final six lines). The rhyme scheme for the Petrarchan sonnet is typically:
ABBAABBA (for the octave)
CDCDCD or CDECDE (for the sestet)
The octave follows the ABBAABBA pattern, where the first and fourth lines rhyme, as do the second and third lines. The sestet then shifts to a new rhyme scheme, usually CDCDCD or CDECDE, providing a contrasting section to the octave. The change in rhyme scheme from the octave to the sestet is an important feature of the Petrarchan sonnet, often marking a shift in tone, theme, or argument.
The transition between the octave and the sestet is called the volta, which usually signals a change in the subject matter or perspective. The volta is often marked by a turn in the argument or the introduction of a new emotional or philosophical direction.
A well-known example of a Petrarchan sonnet is “How Do I Love Thee? Let Me Count the Ways” by Elizabeth Barrett Browning. The poem follows the typical ABBAABBA rhyme scheme in the octave, before shifting to a CDECDE rhyme scheme in the sestet.
Spenserian Sonnet
The Spenserian sonnet, developed by the English poet Edmund Spenser, is a variation of the Shakespearean sonnet. It uses a similar structure to the Shakespearean form, but the rhyme scheme is slightly altered. The Spenserian sonnet’s rhyme scheme is as follows:
ABAB BCBC CDCD EE
The key difference between the Spenserian sonnet and the Shakespearean sonnet is the interlocking rhyme between the quatrains. In the Spenserian sonnet, the third line of the first quatrain (B) rhymes with the second line of the second quatrain (B), creating a continuous flow of rhyme throughout the poem.
This interlocking rhyme scheme allows for a smoother, more cohesive feel to the poem, which can make the volta or turn in the final couplet feel more inevitable or natural.
Modern Variations and Free Verse Sonnets
While the traditional forms of the sonnet—Shakespearean, Petrarchan, and Spenserian—remain popular, modern poets have experimented with variations on the sonnet form, often deviating from the strict rhyme schemes. These variations may involve changes in the number of lines, the meter, or the rhyme scheme. Some contemporary sonnets might not follow a set rhyme scheme at all, instead relying on free verse or an experimental structure.
A free verse sonnet might retain the 14-line structure but break from traditional rhyme schemes, using enjambment or internal rhyme to create a more fluid, organic rhythm. This allows poets to focus on expression and content without being confined to the rigid structure of traditional sonnets.
How the Rhyme Scheme Affects the Poem’s Meaning
The rhyme scheme of a sonnet is not just a technical feature; it can also serve to reinforce the poem’s meaning. The organization of rhyme patterns can reflect the tone, mood, and thematic progression of the poem. Here are some ways in which the rhyme scheme can enhance the impact of a sonnet:
Creating Unity
A regular rhyme scheme can create a sense of unity and order within the poem. The repetition of rhyme sounds can bring a musical quality to the poem, which reinforces the theme or emotional tone. This sense of unity is particularly important in sonnets, where the poet is often exploring a central idea or argument.
Emphasizing Key Themes
The rhyme scheme can help to highlight important words or concepts within the poem. In a Shakespearean sonnet, for example, the final rhymed couplet often introduces a resolution or a profound insight that encapsulates the poem’s central idea. By ending with a couplet, the rhyme scheme draws attention to this moment of revelation.
Building Tension and Release
In both Petrarchan and Shakespearean sonnets, the volta (the thematic or tonal shift) often coincides with a change in the rhyme scheme. The rhyme scheme acts as a structural device that signals a shift in the poem’s direction. This shift can introduce tension, contrast, or a new perspective, which is then resolved or intensified in the final lines of the poem.
Reflecting Emotional and Intellectual Movement
The rhyme scheme can mirror the intellectual or emotional progression within the poem. A poet might begin with a consistent and regular rhyme scheme, reflecting a sense of order or control, and then disrupt it towards the end to signal confusion, conflict, or complexity. Alternatively, the rhyme scheme can remain constant throughout the poem to suggest a steady emotional tone.
Conclusion
The rhyme scheme of a sonnet is a defining characteristic that shapes the form and content of the poem. Whether in the tightly controlled patterns of the Shakespearean, Petrarchan, or Spenserian sonnet, or in the more liberated forms of contemporary free verse sonnets, the rhyme scheme serves as a powerful tool that enhances the meaning and impact of the poem. By understanding the different types of sonnets and their rhyme schemes, readers can gain a deeper appreciation for the artistry and craft behind these timeless poetic forms. The rhyme scheme is not just an external feature of the poem, but an integral part of the sonnet’s structure, rhythm, and thematic expression, giving the poem its unique beauty and resonance.
