The Sonnet
Sonnet
A fourteen-line poem written in iambicpentameter; used to explore such deeply feltissues as the fleeting nature of love and theaching questions of mortality; typicallypresents a problem/issue and then offers a“solution”
Volta (Turn)
The switch from problem to resolution.
Line Groupings
Couplet
A series of two rhymed lines with a pattern of AA,meaning that the ends of the two lines rhyme witheach other.
Quatrain
A series/unit of four rhymed lines
Sestet
A series/unit of six rhymed lines
Octave
A series/unit of eight rhymed lines
Types of Sonnets
ITALIAN/PETRARCHAN SONNET
Consists of one octave and one sestet
In the octave, a question, problem, or situation ispresented
In the sestet, an answer or solution to the problemis provided
Generally follows rhyme scheme ABBAABBACDECDE
Types of Sonnets
ENGLISH/SHAKESPEAREAN SONNET
Consists of three quatrains and one couplet
Allows for a more detailed development of thequestion, problem, or situation
The answer/solution is provided quickly in thecouplet
Generally follows rhyme scheme ABABCDCD EFEF GG
Types of Sonnets
SPENSERIAN SONNET
Consists of three quatrains and one couplet
Generally follows the rhyme scheme ABABBCBC CDCD EE
Let’s Practice!! - “Not in aSilver Casket…”
Not in a silver casket cool with pearls
Or rich with red corundum or with blue,
Locked, and the key withheld, as other girls
Have given their loves, I give my love to you;
5 Not in a lovers’-knot, not in a ring
Worked in such fashion, and the legend plain –
Semper fidelis, where a secret spring
Kennels a drop of mischief for the brain:
Love in the open hand, no thing but that,
10 Ungemmed, unhidden, wishing not to hurt,
As one should bring you cowslips in a hat
Swung from the hand, or apples in her skirt.
I bring you, calling out as children do:
“Look what I have! – And these are all for you.”