The sonnet is a type of poem that has been loved by poets and readers for centuries. Its structure is precise, and its rhythm flows with a distinct beauty. The English sonnet, in particular, has become one of the most popular forms of poetry, known for its 14 lines and a specific rhyme scheme. But how did this form of poetry come to be? And who was the poet who had it named after him?
In this article, we will explore the origins of the English sonnet and take a closer look at the poet who helped shape this form of poetry. We will also discuss the characteristics of the English sonnet and how it differs from other types of sonnets, such as the Italian or Petrarchan sonnet.
The English sonnet is often referred to as the Shakespearean sonnet because it was popularized by William Shakespeare, the famous playwright and poet from the late 16th and early 17th centuries. But Shakespeare was not the original creator of the sonnet form. The sonnet actually has its roots in Italy, where it was first developed by a poet named Petrarch. However, it was Shakespeare who gave the sonnet its most well-known structure, and as a result, the English sonnet is often called the Shakespearean sonnet.
Let’s dive deeper into the world of sonnets and understand why Shakespeare’s name became so closely associated with this poetic form.
The Birth of the Sonnet
The sonnet originated in Italy in the early 13th century. The word “sonnet” itself comes from the Italian word “sonetto,” which means “little song” or “little sound.” The form was initially developed by the poet Giacomo da Lentini and later perfected by the renowned poet Petrarch.
Petrarch, whose full name was Francesco Petrarca, was born in 1304. He is often considered the father of the Italian sonnet because of his significant contribution to its development. His collection of poems, known as “Canzoniere” (Songbook), became incredibly influential. In fact, Petrarch’s sonnets were written in a style that many poets across Europe admired and tried to imitate.
The Italian sonnet, also called the Petrarchan sonnet, has 14 lines and follows a specific rhyme scheme: ABBAABBA for the first eight lines (called the octave) and CDCDCD for the final six lines (called the sestet). This structure creates a clear separation between the two parts of the poem, with the octave often presenting a problem or question, and the sestet providing a resolution or answer.
As the sonnet form spread to England, poets began experimenting with it, making changes to suit the English language. One of the most significant changes came with the introduction of the English sonnet.
William Shakespeare: The Man Behind the English Sonnet
While Petrarch’s influence was strong in Italy, the English sonnet is closely associated with William Shakespeare, a name that is synonymous with poetry and drama. Shakespeare was born in 1564 in Stratford-upon-Avon, England, and became one of the greatest writers in the English language. He wrote plays, sonnets, and other poems, and his works have had a lasting impact on literature.
Shakespeare’s sonnets were first published in 1609, though he likely wrote them earlier. These 154 poems cover a range of themes, from love and beauty to time and mortality. They are notable for their deep emotion, intricate wordplay, and philosophical insight.
But what sets Shakespeare’s sonnets apart from other sonnets, especially those written by earlier poets like Petrarch? One of the key differences lies in the structure of the poem.
Shakespeare’s sonnets follow a specific rhyme scheme that is now commonly referred to as the Shakespearean or English sonnet. This form consists of three quatrains (four-line stanzas) and a final rhymed couplet (two lines). The rhyme scheme is ABABCDCDEFEFGG, with each line typically written in iambic pentameter, a rhythmic pattern that consists of ten syllables per line, with the stress alternating between unstressed and stressed syllables.
The English sonnet is more flexible than the Petrarchan sonnet. While the Petrarchan sonnet has a distinct separation between the octave and sestet, the English sonnet’s three quatrains allow for more development and exploration of ideas. The final couplet often offers a twist or conclusion to the themes explored in the previous lines.
Shakespeare’s mastery of the English sonnet is evident in his ability to convey complex emotions and ideas within this structured form. His use of metaphor, wordplay, and rhyme creates a musicality in his sonnets that makes them both beautiful and profound. It is no wonder that the English sonnet is so closely associated with his name.
Key Features of the Shakespearean Sonnet
The English or Shakespearean sonnet has several key features that distinguish it from other types of sonnets. Let’s take a closer look at these features.
Fourteen Lines
Like all sonnets, the Shakespearean sonnet consists of 14 lines. This fixed length is one of the defining characteristics of the sonnet form. The 14 lines give the poet enough space to explore a thought, develop an idea, or tell a story, while also maintaining a sense of conciseness.
Rhyme Scheme: ABABCDCDEFEFGG
The most recognizable feature of the Shakespearean sonnet is its rhyme scheme. The poem is divided into three quatrains (four-line stanzas) and a final rhymed couplet (two lines). The rhyme scheme is ABABCDCDEFEFGG, which creates a pattern of alternating rhymes in the quatrains, followed by a final, conclusive couplet that often offers a resolution or a twist on the ideas presented earlier in the poem.
Iambic Pentameter
Shakespeare’s sonnets are written in iambic pentameter, a rhythmic pattern consisting of five pairs of syllables in each line. In iambic pentameter, the first syllable of each pair is unstressed, and the second is stressed. This creates a natural flow and rhythm that makes the poem sound musical and fluid.
This rhythm is an important part of the sonnet’s structure and helps to convey the emotional intensity of the poem.
Volta
Like many sonnets, the Shakespearean sonnet includes a “volta,” or a shift in the poem’s tone or argument. The volta often occurs at the start of the third quatrain or the final couplet. In Shakespeare’s sonnets, the volta is often used to introduce a surprising twist or a shift in perspective. It can change the direction of the poem, offering a conclusion, a revelation, or a moment of reflection.
For example, in sonnet 18, the volta comes in the final couplet, where Shakespeare moves from describing the beauty of the beloved to asserting that their beauty will live on forever through his poetry.
Themes
Shakespeare’s sonnets explore a wide range of themes, from love and beauty to time and mortality. Many of his sonnets are addressed to a young man (often referred to as the “Fair Youth”) and a “Dark Lady,” both of whom appear as recurring figures in the collection. The themes of love, beauty, and the passage of time are central to the sonnets, and Shakespeare’s ability to capture complex emotions in just 14 lines is one of the reasons his sonnets are so revered.
Why the English Sonnet is Named After Shakespeare
Shakespeare’s contributions to the sonnet form were significant, but he was not the first to write sonnets in English. The sonnet had already been introduced to England by the Italian poet Petrarch’s influence and by other poets such as Sir Thomas Wyatt and Henry Howard, Earl of Surrey. However, Shakespeare was the poet who perfected and popularized the English sonnet in a way that made it uniquely his own.
Shakespeare’s innovation lay in his ability to adapt the sonnet form to express the complexity of human emotion. His skillful use of language, combined with the flexibility of the English sonnet’s structure, allowed him to explore a wide range of themes. This is why the sonnet form is often referred to as the Shakespearean or English sonnet today.
The Shakespearean sonnet has endured for centuries and continues to be studied, admired, and emulated by poets around the world. Its influence on literature cannot be overstated, and it remains one of the most important forms of poetry in the English language.
Conclusion
The English sonnet, also known as the Shakespearean sonnet, has become an iconic form of poetry due to the contributions of William Shakespeare. While the sonnet originated in Italy, it was Shakespeare who gave it the distinctive structure that we recognize today. Through his mastery of language, rhyme, and rhythm, Shakespeare was able to elevate the sonnet to new heights, exploring deep emotions and ideas with grace and elegance.
Shakespeare’s sonnets continue to inspire readers and poets, and his name is forever linked to the English sonnet. Whether you are reading his famous sonnet 18, with its timeless lines, or exploring his other works, Shakespeare’s sonnets remind us of the power of words and the beauty of poetry.
