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Sonnet-WPS Office

The document discusses the sonnet, a 14-line poem with a specific rhyme scheme. It defines the sonnet, explains its origins in Italian poetry, and discusses the most common types including the Shakespearean, Spenserian, and Petrarchan sonnets. Examples are given of famous sonnets written by Shakespeare, Spenser, and Petrarch to illustrate these different forms. The sonnet is highlighted as an important poetic form that allows for expression within strict conventions.

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62 views3 pages

Sonnet-WPS Office

The document discusses the sonnet, a 14-line poem with a specific rhyme scheme. It defines the sonnet, explains its origins in Italian poetry, and discusses the most common types including the Shakespearean, Spenserian, and Petrarchan sonnets. Examples are given of famous sonnets written by Shakespeare, Spenser, and Petrarch to illustrate these different forms. The sonnet is highlighted as an important poetic form that allows for expression within strict conventions.

Uploaded by

yessa garcia
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOC, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Sonnet

The word sonnet is derived from the Italian word “sonetto,” which means a “little song” or small lyric. In
poetry, a sonnet has 14 lines, and is written in iambic pentameter. Each line has 10 syllables. It has a
specific rhyme scheme, and a volta, or a specific turn.

Generally, sonnets are divided into different groups based on the rhyme scheme they follow. The rhymes
of a sonnet are arranged according to a certain rhyme scheme. The rhyme scheme in English is usually
abab–cdcd–efef–gg, and in Italian abba–abba–cde–cde.

What is Pentameter?

Pentameter is a literary device that can be defined as a line in verse or poetry that has five strong
metrical feet or beats. There are different forms of pentameter: iamb, trochaic, dactylic, and anapestic.
The most commonly used pentameter in English is iambic.

Types of Sonnet

Sonnets can be categorized into six major types:

Italian Sonnet

Shakespearean Sonnet

Spenserian Sonnet

Miltonic Sonnet

Terza Rima Sonnet

Curtal Sonnet

Examples of Sonnet in Literature

Example #1: Visions (By Francesco Petrarch)

Italian or Petrarchan Sonnet which was introduced in the 14th century by Italian poet Francesco
Petrarch.
The rhyme scheme of a Petrarchan sonnet features the first eight lines, called an octet, which rhymes as
abba–abba–cdc–dcd. The remaining six lines are called a sestet, and might have a range of rhyme
schemes.

Example #2: Sonnet 1 (By William Shakespeare)

Shakespearean Sonnet

A Shakespearean sonnet is generally written in iambic pentameter, in which there are 10 syllables in each
line.

The rhyme scheme of the Shakespearian sonnet is abab–cdcd–efef–gg, which is difficult to follow. Hence,
only Shakespeare is known to have done it.

Example #3: Amoretti (By Edmund Spenser)

Spenserian Sonnet

Sir Edmund Spenser was the first poet who modified the Petrarch’s form, and introduced a new rhyme
scheme.

The rhyme scheme in this sonnet is abab–bcbc–cdcd–ee, which is specific to Spenser, and such types of
sonnets are called Spenserian sonnets.

Function of a Sonnet

The sonnet has become popular among different poets because it has a great adaptability to different
purposes and requirements. Rhythms are strictly followed. It could be a perfect poetic style for
elaboration or expression of a single feeling or thought, with its short length in iambic pentameter. In
fact, it gives an ideal setting for a poet to explore strong emotions. Due to its short length, it is easy to
manage for both the writer and the reader.

Significance of Sonnet in Literature

The sonnet is one of the most recognizable and common forms to be used in poetry. Though it has some
restrictions on rhyme and meter, it is a relatively open form which allows for a great range of expression
in sonnets. The Italian poet Giacomo da Lentini created the form in the thirteenth century, and it
remains popular to this day with many contemporary poets. Some of the greatest poets in the world
have dedicated much time to creating sonnets, such as Dante Aligheri, John Milton, William
Wordsworth, Edna St. Vincent Millay, Robert Frost, e.e. cummings, and Federico García Lorca. William
Shakespeare wrote many sonnets, and even used the form in many of his plays, such as the famous
prologue to Romeo and Juliet, seen below in Example #2.

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