A sonnet is one of the most well-known and celebrated forms of poetry. This short yet powerful poetic form has been used by many famous poets, including William Shakespeare, John Milton, and Petrarch. It’s admired for its ability to express deep emotions and complex ideas in a limited structure. Although sonnets can be written in many different styles, they all share certain key features that make them recognizable and unique.
The sonnet has a long history, originating in Italy during the 13th century. The word “sonnet” itself comes from the Italian word sonetto, which means “little song” or “little sound.” Despite the simplicity suggested by the term, sonnets are far from being simple. They are carefully crafted, often full of rich language, and follow specific patterns of rhythm and rhyme. In this article, we will explore the basic structure of a sonnet, its historical evolution, and the key features that make it such a distinctive and beloved form of poetry.
The Basic Structure of a Sonnet
The Number of Lines
A sonnet traditionally contains 14 lines. These lines are usually divided into two main sections: the octave and the sestet.
The Octave – The first eight lines of a sonnet are called the octave. In many sonnets, the octave follows a specific rhyme scheme, typically ABBAABBA. This means that the first and fourth lines rhyme with each other, and the second and third lines rhyme with each other as well. The octave sets up the main theme or problem of the poem.
The Sestet – The last six lines of a sonnet form the sestet. The rhyme scheme in the sestet can vary, but a common pattern is CDCDCD or CDECDE. The sestet often provides a resolution to the issue or theme introduced in the octave.
The Meter
Most sonnets are written in iambic pentameter, a specific rhythmic pattern. Iambic pentameter means that each line contains ten syllables, with an alternating pattern of unstressed and stressed syllables. This gives the sonnet a flowing, natural rhythm that mimics the way people speak.
An example of iambic pentameter can be seen in the line:
Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day?
In this line, the unstressed and stressed syllables alternate, as shown below:
Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day?
Each pair of syllables is called an iamb, and there are five iambs in this line, making it an example of iambic pentameter.
The Rhyme Scheme
The rhyme scheme of a sonnet is another important feature. Different types of sonnets use different rhyme schemes, and understanding these patterns is essential to recognizing the type of sonnet being used.
Shakespearean (English) Sonnet – One of the most famous types of sonnet is the Shakespearean sonnet, which follows the rhyme scheme ABABCDCDEFEFGG. This type of sonnet is made up of three quatrains (four-line stanzas) and a final rhymed couplet (two lines).
Petrarchan (Italian) Sonnet – Another well-known type is the Petrarchan sonnet, which is divided into an eight-line octave and a six-line sestet. The rhyme scheme of the octave is usually ABBAABBA, while the sestet can vary, commonly following the CDECDE or CDCDCD pattern. The division between the octave and the sestet is known as the volta, meaning “turn,” as this is where the poem often shifts its argument or tone.
Spenserian Sonnet – This form of sonnet combines elements of both the Shakespearean and Petrarchan sonnet, with a rhyme scheme of ABABBCBCCDCDEE. It is known for its linked quatrains, which create a continuous flow of thought from one stanza to the next.
The Volta
The volta is an important feature of a sonnet. It refers to the “turn” or shift in thought that occurs, typically between the octave and the sestet. The volta is where the poem moves from the introduction of a problem or idea to its resolution or deeper exploration. In Shakespearean sonnets, the volta often occurs at the start of the third quatrain or the final couplet.
The volta is a moment of change. It can be a shift in perspective, tone, or the introduction of a solution to the problem posed earlier in the poem. For example, a poet might begin by describing a painful situation in the octave, only to offer a hopeful or comforting thought in the sestet.
Famous Sonnets and Their Structure
Shakespeare’s Sonnet 18
One of the most famous sonnets is Shakespeare’s Sonnet 18, which begins with the lines:
Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day?
Thou art more lovely and more temperate:
This is a Shakespearean sonnet, following the rhyme scheme ABABCDCDEFEFGG. The first eight lines (the octave) describe the beauty of the person being addressed and compare them to the fleeting beauty of a summer’s day. The volta occurs in the ninth line, where the speaker turns to say that the person’s beauty will live forever in the poem.
The final couplet offers a powerful resolution:
So long as men can breathe or eyes can see,
So long lives my love, and this gives life to thee.
This is a perfect example of how the volta shifts the tone of the poem, offering a resolution that gives the speaker’s love eternal life through the verse.
Petrarch’s Sonnet 140
Another famous sonnet comes from the Italian poet Petrarch. His Sonnet 140, written in the traditional Petrarchan form, is divided into an octave and a sestet. The octave follows the rhyme scheme ABBAABBA, while the sestet is CDECDE.
The poem expresses the poet’s longing for his beloved Laura, who is out of reach. The volta occurs between the octave and sestet, shifting from the poet’s lament over his unrequited love to a reflection on the nature of his feelings. The volta creates a shift in mood, turning from sorrow to contemplation.
The Purpose and Effect of a Sonnet
Sonnets are often used to express intense emotion, from love and beauty to loss and regret. The structure of the sonnet, with its tightly controlled form, enhances the emotional impact of the poem. The rhythm of iambic pentameter creates a sense of flow and naturalness, while the rhyme scheme ties the poem together, giving it a sense of completeness.
Many poets also use the sonnet as a way of exploring philosophical or intellectual ideas. The limited number of lines forces the poet to be concise, yet the flexible structure allows for depth and complexity in the exploration of a theme.
The sonnet’s enduring popularity comes from its ability to convey both simplicity and complexity. Through the combination of meter, rhyme, and structure, the sonnet provides a framework for the poet to craft a focused, powerful expression of thought or emotion.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the sonnet is a form of poetry with a distinct structure and rhythm. Its 14 lines, iambic pentameter, and specific rhyme schemes make it a challenging but rewarding form for poets. The volta, or turn, in the poem marks a shift in perspective, which adds depth to the poem’s meaning. Whether in the Shakespearean, Petrarchan, or Spenserian form, the sonnet continues to be a powerful vehicle for expressing love, loss, and philosophical reflection.
Although the sonnet has a long history, it remains a popular form for both established poets and those just beginning to explore the art of poetry. Its elegance, simplicity, and depth allow it to resonate with readers and writers alike, ensuring that the sonnet will continue to be a beloved and respected poetic form for many generations to come.
