The sonnet, one of the most revered and enduring poetic forms, has captured the imagination of poets and readers for centuries. Among the many variations of the sonnet, the Petrarchan sonnet stands out for its unique structure, emotional depth, and historical significance. In this article, we will explore what makes a Petrarchan sonnet distinct, its history, its structural features, and how it has influenced poets throughout history.
The Origins of the Petrarchan Sonnet
The Petrarchan sonnet, also known as the Italian sonnet, was named after the Italian poet Petrarch (1304–1374). Petrarch was one of the most influential figures in the development of Renaissance poetry, particularly in the genre of the sonnet. His work, especially his collection Canzoniere (Songbook), popularized the sonnet form in Italy, and the structure he used became a standard for future poets.
While the sonnet itself predates Petrarch, the structure he used in his poetry became the model for what we now call the Petrarchan sonnet. Petrarch’s sonnets were written in Italian, and their themes often revolved around the unattainable nature of his love for Laura, a woman who served as the inspiration for many of his poems. This theme of unattainable love would become a hallmark of the Petrarchan sonnet.
The Structure of a Petrarchan Sonnet
A Petrarchan sonnet is divided into two parts: the octave and the sestet. These two sections are separated by a volta, a shift in tone or perspective. The sonnet is traditionally composed of 14 lines, each of which follows a specific metrical pattern. The primary features of a Petrarchan sonnet are as follows:
The Octave:
The first eight lines of the sonnet form the octave.
These lines follow a specific rhyme scheme of ABBAABBA.
The octave often introduces a problem, question, or emotional tension. This is the first part of the poem where the poet presents an issue or an unfulfilled desire.
The Sestet:
The last six lines of the sonnet form the sestet.
The rhyme scheme of the sestet can vary, with the most common patterns being CDCDCD or CDECDE.
The sestet provides a resolution, conclusion, or answer to the question or problem posed in the octave. It is often where the tone shifts, providing a sense of closure or understanding.
The Volta:
The volta is the shift or turn in the poem. It usually occurs between the eighth and ninth lines, marking the transition from the octave to the sestet.
The volta represents a change in tone, perspective, or emotional direction. This is the moment where the poet moves from the exploration of the problem or conflict to its resolution or contemplation.
Meter:
Like many other sonnet forms, the Petrarchan sonnet is typically written in iambic pentameter. This means that each line consists of ten syllables, with the stress alternating between unstressed and stressed syllables.
The Themes of the Petrarchan Sonnet
The Petrarchan sonnet is deeply associated with themes of love, longing, and unrequited desire. However, over time, poets have expanded the themes of the Petrarchan sonnet to encompass a wide range of topics. The key themes include:
Unrequited Love:
One of the most famous themes in Petrarch’s Canzoniere is his love for Laura, a woman he admired from a distance but could never possess. This theme of unattainable love is a defining feature of the Petrarchan sonnet. The poet often expresses the anguish of loving someone who does not reciprocate or cannot be attained.
Idealized Beauty:
The love interest in Petrarchan sonnets is often depicted as a symbol of unattainable beauty and perfection. The poet may describe the lover’s beauty in hyperbolic terms, emphasizing her physical attributes as well as her moral and spiritual virtues. This idealized representation of beauty often contributes to the sense of unattainability.
Suffering and Conflict:
The octave of a Petrarchan sonnet often explores the poet’s inner turmoil, frustration, and longing. The emotional conflict is often heightened by the idealized nature of the lover, who seems beyond the poet’s reach. The sestet, in contrast, may offer some form of resolution or acceptance of this suffering.
Transcendence and Spirituality:
Some Petrarchan sonnets explore the transcendence of earthly love, linking it to a more spiritual or divine realm. This can involve the poet elevating his love to an almost sacred level, viewing it as a means of reaching spiritual enlightenment or closeness to God.
The Volta: The Heart of the Petrarchan Sonnet
The volta, or the turn, is a crucial feature of the Petrarchan sonnet. It is at the volta that the tone, direction, or emotional state of the poem shifts. This shift often provides a resolution or a new perspective on the issues or themes raised in the octave.
In a typical Petrarchan sonnet, the octave introduces a dilemma or conflict—such as the poet’s unrequited love or longing for a perfect, unattainable ideal. The volta offers the poet an opportunity to reconsider this dilemma, either by accepting it or by seeking a different path. The sestet, following the volta, presents the outcome of this shift.
For example, in some Petrarchan sonnets, the volta may offer a sudden realization that the poet’s longing for the beloved is futile and that peace can be found in accepting the unavailability of the lover. Alternatively, the volta may introduce a shift in perspective, suggesting that love itself, even if unrequited, holds its own intrinsic value.
Examples of the Petrarchan Sonnet
To further illustrate the structure and emotional depth of the Petrarchan sonnet, we will now look at two examples from renowned poets who have used this form.
Petrarch’s Sonnet 61 (from Canzoniere)
Petrarch’s own sonnets are the quintessential example of the Petrarchan form. In Sonnet 61, Petrarch writes about the anguish of his unrequited love for Laura.
You who have heard the sound of my sad song, if, in your hearts, some pity still remains, draw near and listen, for I speak in chains; for love of her, my life has suffered long.
In this sonnet, we see the typical Petrarchan theme of unattainable love. The octave introduces the emotional conflict, with the poet expressing his suffering. The volta in the ninth line begins to shift, as the poet turns to his audience for sympathy.
William Wordsworth’s “London, 1802”
William Wordsworth, a key figure in English Romanticism, also employed the Petrarchan sonnet form in some of his works. In London, 1802, Wordsworth calls upon the spirit of John Milton to restore virtue and honor to a corrupt society.
Milton! Thou shouldst be living at this hour: England hath need of thee: she is a fen Of stagnant waters: altar, sword, and pen, Fireside, the heroic wealth of her fathers, died.
In this sonnet, Wordsworth uses the octave to present the problem—England’s moral and spiritual decline. The volta occurs in the ninth line, where Wordsworth directly calls upon Milton, hoping for a change in the nation’s course. The sestet then moves toward the resolution, highlighting the poet’s hope for redemption through Milton’s legacy.
Conclusion
The Petrarchan sonnet remains one of the most enduring and influential poetic forms in history. Its structural elegance, emotional depth, and versatility have made it a favorite of poets across centuries. While the original themes of unattainable love, idealized beauty, and inner conflict remain central to many Petrarchan sonnets, the form has evolved and adapted to encompass a wide range of topics.
The unique division between the octave and the sestet, along with the volta, provides poets with a powerful tool for exploring complex emotional and intellectual themes. The Petrarchan sonnet has inspired countless poets, from Shakespeare to Wordsworth to contemporary writers, and it continues to serve as a vehicle for profound personal and philosophical reflection.
As we have seen, the Petrarchan sonnet is not merely a structural form but a lens through which poets have explored the complexities of love, desire, conflict, and resolution. Its enduring popularity speaks to the universal themes it encapsulates and the power of poetry to convey the deepest emotions and thoughts. Whether in its original form or adapted to suit new themes, the Petrarchan sonnet will undoubtedly continue to captivate readers and poets for generations to come.
