The Italian sonnet, or Petrarchan sonnet, is one of the most revered forms in the world of poetry. It is named after the Italian poet Petrarch, who popularized this structured yet flexible form during the 14th century. The Italian sonnet’s combination of rhythmic discipline, thematic unity, and emotional depth makes it a staple of classical poetry and a form widely studied by writers, poets, and students of literature alike.
In this article, we will explore the key elements that define an Italian sonnet, the rules to follow when crafting one, and how to unlock the creative potential of this beautiful structure. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced poet, mastering the Italian sonnet will deepen your appreciation of poetry while providing you with a tool for expressing your thoughts and emotions in a distinctive way.
What is an Italian Sonnet?
An Italian sonnet consists of 14 lines and follows a specific rhyme scheme, meter, and structure. The primary distinguishing feature of this form is its division into two parts: the octave (the first eight lines) and the sestet (the final six lines).
Rhyme Scheme: The traditional rhyme scheme for the octave is ABBA ABBA, while the sestet typically follows CDE CDE or CDC DCD.
Meter: The sonnet is usually written in iambic pentameter, which consists of ten syllables per line, with a stress pattern of unstressed-stressed syllables (da-DUM).
The Italian sonnet is often used to express deep emotional reflections, such as love, loss, or personal revelation. Its structure encourages a shift or “volta” (turn) between the octave and the sestet, where the mood or argument of the poem changes direction or focus.
Structure of an Italian Sonnet
The Octave (First 8 Lines)
The octave sets up the premise of the poem, laying out the situation or emotional state that will be explored. It often presents a problem, a question, or an observation. The rhyme scheme for the octave is ABBA ABBA, which means that the first and eighth lines rhyme with each other, the second and seventh lines rhyme, and the third and sixth lines rhyme, with the fourth and fifth lines also rhyming.
In some sonnets, the octave introduces a theme that is resolved, interpreted, or expanded upon in the sestet. The octave is crucial for providing a solid foundation for the sonnet’s message or argument.
The Sestet (Final 6 Lines)
The sestet provides the resolution or counterpoint to the idea presented in the octave. It typically introduces a shift in tone, perspective, or argument. This part of the sonnet explores the emotional or philosophical implications of the theme introduced earlier.
The rhyme scheme of the sestet varies, but the most common patterns are CDE CDE or CDC DCD. The shift between the octave and the sestet—referred to as the “volta”—marks a change in the flow of the poem. The volta might be subtle or dramatic, depending on the content.
The Volta (Turn)
The volta, or turn, is a defining characteristic of the Italian sonnet. It represents the moment when the poem changes direction, either in tone, argument, or emotional focus. The volta typically occurs at the start of the ninth line (between the octave and sestet), but it may also appear at the start of the sestet or even at a later point in the poem, depending on the poet’s style.
The volta is an important element because it allows the poet to express both sides of a theme or argument—often starting with a statement or question and then offering a resolution, reflection, or twist in the conclusion.
The Basic Rules of Writing an Italian Sonnet
Now that we have a general understanding of the Italian sonnet’s structure, we can turn our attention to the specific rules that govern the form. These rules provide a framework for poets to follow, allowing them to create poems that maintain the distinctive qualities of the sonnet while allowing for creativity and personal expression.
14 Lines
The Italian sonnet must have exactly 14 lines. Each line should adhere to a specific meter, which brings us to the next rule.
Iambic Pentameter
Each line should be written in iambic pentameter, which consists of ten syllables arranged in a rhythmic pattern of five iambs (pairs of syllables where the first is unstressed and the second is stressed). A line of iambic pentameter sounds like this: da-DUM da-DUM da-DUM da-DUM da-DUM.
Rhyme Scheme
The traditional rhyme scheme for the Italian sonnet is ABBA ABBA for the octave, followed by CDE CDE or CDC DCD for the sestet. The rhyme scheme should be adhered to strictly, as it is one of the defining features of the form.
Thematic Unity
While the rhyme scheme and meter are essential to the Italian sonnet’s structure, the content must also follow a certain thematic unity. The octave often presents a situation or conflict, while the sestet offers a resolution or counterpoint. The thematic turn (volta) between the two sections should create a logical progression in the poem.
The Volta
As mentioned earlier, the volta is the critical turning point of the poem. It represents a shift in perspective, tone, or argument. Whether subtle or dramatic, this shift gives the poem its emotional depth and complexity.
Step-by-Step Guide to Writing an Italian Sonnet
With the structure and rules in mind, let’s break down the process of writing an Italian sonnet into manageable steps.
Step 1: Choose a Theme
The first step in writing an Italian sonnet is to choose a theme or subject. The Italian sonnet form is versatile and can be used to explore a wide range of topics, including love, nature, philosophy, or personal reflection. Because of its emotional depth, the Italian sonnet is often used for themes that evoke strong feelings or ideas.
Love: The most classic theme for a sonnet is love. Whether romantic or platonic, love sonnets are a rich area to explore.
Nature: Many Italian sonnets focus on the beauty of nature or reflections on the human connection with the natural world.
Personal Reflection: You may choose to explore philosophical questions or personal musings, using the form to express a journey of self-understanding.
Social or Political Themes: While less traditional, the sonnet can also be used to engage with social or political issues, offering a critique or a call to action.
Step 2: Write the Octave
Now that you have a theme in mind, begin by writing the octave. The first eight lines will lay the foundation for the poem, establishing the situation or emotion you want to explore.
Begin with an introduction or description of your theme. For example, if you are writing about love, describe the feelings of longing or passion.
Keep in mind the rhyme scheme ABBA ABBA. This will guide your word choices and help you establish a rhythm for the lines.
Consider using imagery and metaphor to bring your theme to life. The more vivid your language, the more engaging the octave will be.
Step 3: Introduce the Volta
Once the octave is written, it’s time to consider the volta. The volta is the moment when the poem shifts its tone or direction. This is where you can present a twist or offer a new perspective on the situation you’ve introduced in the octave.
The volta might be a change in the way you view the theme or a shift from a problem to a solution. For example, in a love sonnet, the volta might move from feelings of longing to an expression of joy or resolution.
If you are struggling to identify where the volta should occur, try reading your poem aloud. The natural shift in tone will often become apparent, and you can adjust your writing to reflect this change.
Step 4: Write the Sestet
Now that you have the shift in perspective, it’s time to tackle the sestet. This section will provide the resolution or counterpoint to the theme established in the octave. In this part of the poem, you should resolve any tension, offer a conclusion, or explore the emotional implications of the theme.
Use the rhyme scheme CDE CDE or CDC DCD. The sestet offers more freedom in terms of rhyme than the octave, but it still needs to fit within the sonnet’s traditional structure.
Avoid repeating the same ideas from the octave. The sestet should bring new insights or layers to the theme.
Step 5: Polish and Refine
Once the first draft of your sonnet is complete, it’s time to polish and refine it. Pay attention to the following:
Meter: Check each line to ensure it adheres to the iambic pentameter pattern. Make adjustments to maintain the rhythm.
Rhyme: Ensure that the rhyme scheme is consistent and correct.
Language: Evaluate your word choices. Are they vivid and precise? Does the language evoke the intended emotions or images?
Volta: Ensure that the volta is clear and that the shift in tone or perspective is noticeable.
Conclusion
The Italian sonnet is a form that allows for both structure and creativity. By adhering to the strict rhyme scheme and meter, you learn how to express complex ideas within a disciplined framework. Through its thematic unity and the volta, the sonnet offers a powerful way to explore human emotions, nature, and philosophy.
While the rules may seem rigid at first, they provide a scaffold for the poet to build upon, offering a space for personal expression. Whether you are writing about love, loss, or the natural world, the Italian sonnet remains an ideal form for delivering a compact yet deeply impactful message.By following the steps outlined above, you can craft your own Italian sonnet—an expression of your thoughts and emotions framed within a time-honored tradition. So, pick up your pen, embrace the challenge of the sonnet form, and let the words flow.
