A sonnet is a poetic form that has been widely recognized for centuries. It consists of 14 lines, typically written in iambic pentameter, with a specific rhyme scheme. Sonnets are known for their compact structure and their ability to express a wide range of emotions, from love and desire to despair and reflection. While the basic definition of a sonnet is straightforward, its rich history and various types make it a fascinating subject of study.
The Origins of the Sonnet
The sonnet originated in Italy in the 13th century, and it was first popularized by the poet Petrarch. The word “sonnet” itself comes from the Italian word “sonetto,” which means “little song.” The form was initially used to convey personal feelings, often centered on themes of love, nature, and beauty. While Petrarch’s sonnets were written in Italian, the form soon spread throughout Europe, and poets in different countries adapted it to suit their linguistic and cultural contexts.
In England, the sonnet became especially popular during the Renaissance period. The English poet Sir Thomas Wyatt was one of the first to introduce the form to English-speaking readers, followed by Henry Howard, Earl of Surrey. However, it was William Shakespeare who truly mastered the sonnet form, influencing generations of poets to come.
Structure and Form of a Sonnet
A sonnet is typically composed of 14 lines. These lines are often written in iambic pentameter, a type of meter where each line consists of ten syllables, arranged in five pairs of unstressed and stressed syllables. For example:
Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day?
In this line, the syllables alternate between unstressed (da) and stressed (DUM), creating the characteristic rhythm of iambic pentameter.
Beyond the number of lines and meter, a sonnet also follows a specific rhyme scheme, which varies depending on the type of sonnet. The two most well-known sonnet forms are the Petrarchan (Italian) Sonnet and the Shakespearean (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 vary, often following the patterns CDCDCD or CDECDE.
Octave: ABBAABBA
Sestet: CDCDCD or CDECDE
The shift between the octave and the sestet is called the volta, or “turn,” and it often represents a shift in the tone or argument of the poem. The poet might introduce a problem or question in the octave and then resolve it in the sestet.
Shakespearean Sonnet
The Shakespearean sonnet, also known as the English sonnet, consists of three quatrains (four-line stanzas) followed by a couplet (a two-line stanza). The rhyme scheme for a Shakespearean sonnet is ABAB CDCD EFEF GG.
First quatrain: ABAB
Second quatrain: CDCD
Third quatrain: EFEF
Couplet: GG
The couplet at the end of the Shakespearean sonnet often contains a twist or a summarizing thought that brings the poem to a close.
Thematic Elements of a Sonnet
Sonnets are known for their ability to tackle profound and complex themes. Some of the most common themes in sonnets include:
Love
Love is the most frequent subject of sonnets. Many famous sonnets, particularly those written by Shakespeare, are centered on themes of romantic love, passion, and desire. These sonnets often explore the beauty of love and its transformative power.
For example, in Shakespeare’s Sonnet 18, the poet compares the beloved to a summer’s day, using the metaphor to celebrate the beloved’s beauty:
Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day? Thou art more lovely and more temperate.
Nature
Another prevalent theme in sonnets is nature, with poets using the natural world as a metaphor for deeper emotional or philosophical ideas. Nature is often used to reflect the passage of time, the seasons of life, and the beauty of the world.
In some sonnets, nature serves as a backdrop for exploring the fleeting nature of beauty or love, as seen in Sonnet 12 by Shakespeare:
When I do count the clock that tells the time, And see the brave day sunk in hideous night,
Mortality and Time
Sonnets are often meditative, with many focusing on the passage of time and the inevitability of death. The brevity of life is a recurring theme in many sonnets, encouraging readers to reflect on their own existence.
Shakespeare’s Sonnet 60 is an example of this theme:
Like as the waves make towards the pebbl’d shore, So do our minutes hasten to their end;
The sonnet uses the natural imagery of waves to convey the idea that time is relentless and that human life is fleeting.
Philosophy and Reflection
Some sonnets delve into more philosophical topics, such as the nature of existence, the soul, or the self. These sonnets might question the meaning of life or explore the emotional complexity of the human condition.
For example, John Milton’s “On His Blindness” reflects on the poet’s loss of sight and his struggle to find purpose in his suffering. The sonnet grapples with the idea of divine will and personal struggle.
The Role of the Volta
A defining feature of the sonnet is the volta, which is the shift or turn in the poem that introduces a change in direction, tone, or argument. In the Petrarchan sonnet, the volta typically occurs between the octave and the sestet. In the Shakespearean sonnet, it often happens at the start of the third quatrain or in the final couplet.
The volta is a crucial aspect of a sonnet’s structure, as it provides the opportunity for the poet to resolve or deepen the theme introduced in the earlier part of the poem. This turn can lead to a dramatic shift in perspective or a final, surprising insight.
Writing a Sonnet: Tips and Techniques
For anyone interested in writing their own sonnet, it can be helpful to follow a few key steps. Understanding the formal aspects of the sonnet is crucial, but so is experimenting with language, imagery, and themes.
Choose a Theme: Decide what you want to explore in your sonnet. Whether it’s love, time, nature, or philosophy, having a central theme will guide the content of the poem.
Follow the Structure: Stick to the 14-line structure and decide whether you want to use a Petrarchan or Shakespearean sonnet form. Keep the rhyme scheme in mind as you draft the poem.
Use Iambic Pentameter: Aim to write in iambic pentameter, though you can allow for occasional variations to create emphasis. The rhythm should feel natural while still maintaining the formal structure.
Incorporate Imagery and Metaphor: Sonnets often use vivid imagery and metaphor to explore their themes. For instance, using the metaphor of nature to talk about love or time can create depth and resonance in the poem.
Create a Volta: Remember the volta is an important part of the sonnet. Whether it’s a twist in the argument or a moment of reflection, the volta can elevate the poem’s impact.
Famous Sonnets
Throughout literary history, many poets have become known for their mastery of the sonnet form. Some of the most famous sonnets include:
William Shakespeare’s Sonnet 18: One of the most famous love sonnets in the English language, this poem explores the themes of beauty, love, and immortality.
Petrarch’s Sonnet 90: A classic example of the Italian sonnet, Petrarch’s sonnets are often devoted to his idealized love for Laura.
John Milton’s “On His Blindness”: Milton’s sonnet explores the poet’s feelings about his loss of sight and his sense of purpose in life.
Conclusion
In summary, a sonnet is a specific form of poetry characterized by its 14 lines, iambic pentameter, and fixed rhyme scheme. Whether written in the Petrarchan or Shakespearean style, sonnets provide a space for poets to explore deep emotional, philosophical, and natural themes. By balancing structure with creativity, poets have used the sonnet form for centuries to create some of the most powerful and enduring works in the literary canon.
The simplicity of the sonnet’s structure belies its depth, making it a versatile and enduring form of poetry that continues to captivate readers and writers alike. Whether one is writing a sonnet for personal expression or studying the works of the great masters, understanding the sonnet form is essential to appreciating its beauty and impact on the literary world.
