The Sonnet
The sonnet is a type of lyric poetry. There are two different types of sonnets--The Italian (Petrarchan) and the English (Shakepearean). The sonnet originated in Italy and was created by Francesco Petrarca. Shakespeare influenced the sonnet form and then the Shakepearean form was developed in England. In general, in a sonnet you will show two related but different things to communicate something about them.
Form
A 14-line poem
Usually written in iambic pentameter (10 syllables in each line)
Two Kinds--Petrarchan (Italian) and Shakespearean (English)
Petrarchan--has an octave of eight lines (rhyme scheme: ababcdcd) and and sestet of six lines (rhyme scheme: cdecde)
Petrachan makes a point or asks a question in the first 8 lines (octave) and responds to it in the last six lines (sestet)
Shakespearean sonnet has three quatrains (4 line units)
Shakepearean sonnet ends in a couplet
Shakespearean--rhyme scheme is ababcdcdefefgg
A change from one rhyme group to another signifies a change in subject matter
This change usually happens in line 9 of the Petrarchan sonnet and is called a volta
Usually written in iambic pentameter (10 syllables in each line)
Two Kinds--Petrarchan (Italian) and Shakespearean (English)
Petrarchan--has an octave of eight lines (rhyme scheme: ababcdcd) and and sestet of six lines (rhyme scheme: cdecde)
Petrachan makes a point or asks a question in the first 8 lines (octave) and responds to it in the last six lines (sestet)
Shakespearean sonnet has three quatrains (4 line units)
Shakepearean sonnet ends in a couplet
Shakespearean--rhyme scheme is ababcdcdefefgg
A change from one rhyme group to another signifies a change in subject matter
This change usually happens in line 9 of the Petrarchan sonnet and is called a volta
Plutarchan Sonnet
London, 1802 William Wordsworth 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 hall and bower, Have forteited their ancient English dower Of inward happiness. We are selfish men; Oh! raise us up, return to us again; And give us manners, virtue, feedom, power. Thy soul was like a Star, and dwelt apart; Thou hadst a voice whose sound was like the sea: Pure as the naked heavens, majestic, free, So didst thou travel on life's common way, In cheerful godliness; and yet they heart The lowliest duties on herself did lay. |
Shakespearean Sonnet
Sonnet 130 Shakespeare My mistress' eyes are nothing like the sun; Coral is far more red than her lips' red; If snow be white, why then her breasts are dun; If hairs be wires, black wires grow on her head. I have seen roses damask'd, red and white, But no such roses see I in her cheeks; And is some perfumes is there more delight Than in the breath that from my mistress reeks. I love to hear her speak, yet well I know That music hath a far more pleasing sound; I grant I never saw a goddess go; My mistress, when she walks, treads on the ground: And yet, by heaven, I think my love as rare As any she belied with false compare. |