9.2 Petrarchan and Shakespearean Sonnet Forms
2 min read•july 24, 2024
Sonnets, the 14-line poems of love and beauty, come in two main flavors: Petrarchan and Shakespearean. Each has its own structure and style. Petrarchan sonnets, born in Italy, have an and . Shakespearean sonnets, from England, use three quatrains and a .
These poetic forms tackle different themes. Petrarchan sonnets often explore and . Shakespearean sonnets cover a wider range, including love, , and . Both styles influenced English poetry, with Shakespeare's innovations leaving a lasting mark on the form.
Sonnet Structure and Development
Structure of Petrarchan vs Shakespearean sonnets
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- Petrarchan (Italian) sonnet comprises 14 lines divided into octave (8 lines) presenting problem or situation with and sestet (6 lines) providing resolution with , , or variations
- Shakespearean (English) sonnet consists of 14 lines with three quatrains (4 lines each) developing theme using rhyme scheme and concluding couplet summarizing or providing twist with rhyme
- (turn) in Petrarchan sonnets typically occurs between octave and sestet while in Shakespearean often found before final couplet
Themes in Petrarchan vs Shakespearean sonnets
- Petrarchan sonnets focus on courtly love, idealized beauty, explore and (Laura as unattainable object of desire)
- Shakespearean sonnets cover broader themes including love, beauty, time, mortality, more personal and introspective (, )
- Petrarchan style uses (), , contrasts octave and sestet
- Shakespearean style allows flexible idea development across quatrains, uses , incorporates and
- Petrarchan narrative often presents while Shakespearean builds through quatrains with couplet providing resolution
Influence and Innovation
Petrarch's influence on Renaissance poetry
- Sonnet form introduced to England by and who translated and adapted Petrarch's works
- Petrarchan conventions adopted in English poetry included stock images (), , idealization of beloved, exploration of conflicting emotions
- English sonnet sequences developed (Sidney's "Astrophil and Stella", Spenser's "Amoretti")
- Petrarchan themes integrated into non-sonnet poetry and influenced courtly love traditions in English literature
Shakespeare's innovations in sonnet form
- Structural changes included three- and couplet structure, final couplet for epigrammatic effect or surprising turn
- Thematic expansions explored , , subverted traditional beauty standards, incorporated
- Linguistic advancements integrated colloquial language, natural speech patterns, complex and usage
- Character development within sonnet sequences created distinct personas (Fair Youth, Dark Lady) with narrative progression
- Shakespeare's sonnet form became distinct, influential for future English poets
Key Terms to Review (42)
Abab: The term 'abab' refers to a specific rhyme scheme commonly found in poetry, particularly in forms like sonnets. In this scheme, the first and third lines rhyme with each other, as do the second and fourth lines. This pattern contributes to the musical quality of the poem and helps to establish connections between ideas within the verses.
Abbaabba: The term 'abbaabba' refers to a specific rhyme scheme commonly found in Petrarchan sonnets, where the first eight lines (the octave) are structured in this pattern. This arrangement establishes a lyrical and harmonious quality, creating a strong emotional foundation for the poem. It contrasts with other rhyme schemes, such as the Shakespearean sonnet, emphasizing different thematic developments and narrative arcs within poetry.
Argument: An argument is a statement or series of statements that express a position or claim and support it with reasons and evidence. In poetry, especially in sonnets, an argument often emerges as a central theme or message, crafted through various rhetorical strategies and structures that engage the reader's thoughts and emotions.
Caesura: Caesura is a rhythmic pause or break in a line of poetry, often used to create a sense of natural speech and enhance the emotional impact of the verse. It plays a significant role in various forms of poetry, influencing the flow, rhythm, and overall meaning of the text.
Cdcd: The term 'cdcd' refers to a specific rhyme scheme often found in poetry, particularly within the context of sonnet forms. In this pattern, the second and fourth lines of a quatrain rhyme with each other, while the first and third lines do not share the same end sounds as one another. This scheme contributes to the overall rhythm and musicality of a poem, enhancing its emotional impact and structural integrity.
Cdcdcd: The term 'cdcdcd' refers to a specific rhyme scheme commonly found in poetry, particularly in the context of certain types of sonnets. In this pattern, the 'c' and 'd' lines alternate, creating a structure that can enhance the lyrical quality of the poem. This scheme is significant for poets as it allows for variation within the verse, providing a distinct rhythm and flow that can influence the emotional impact of the poem.
Cdecde: Cdecde is a rhyme scheme used in poetry, particularly in the context of the sestet of a Petrarchan sonnet. It consists of six lines where the first and third lines rhyme with each other, while the second, fourth, and fifth lines share a different rhyme, followed by the sixth line that returns to the first rhyme. This structure creates a rich interplay of sounds and ideas, enhancing the emotional depth and complexity of the poem.
Cdedce: Cdedce is a rhyme scheme that refers to a specific structure found within certain types of sonnets, particularly emphasizing how the final six lines of a Petrarchan sonnet can be arranged. This rhyme scheme creates a unique lyrical quality and enhances the emotional depth of the poem, serving as a bridge between the argument presented in the octave and the resolution or response offered in the sestet.
Conceits: Conceits are elaborate and often surprising metaphors or similes that create a striking comparison between two vastly different ideas or objects. This literary device is particularly prominent in poetry, especially in the context of sonnets, where it enhances the emotional depth and complexity of the subject matter by linking seemingly unrelated concepts.
Conversational language: Conversational language refers to a style of communication that mimics everyday speech, characterized by informal vocabulary, simple sentence structures, and a more personal tone. This type of language creates a sense of intimacy and familiarity, often used to engage the audience and establish a connection. In the context of sonnet forms, this style can make complex emotions and ideas more accessible, enhancing the impact of the poem.
Couplet: A couplet is a pair of consecutive lines of poetry that usually rhyme and have the same meter. This structure is significant in various poetic forms, serving as a foundational element in sonnets, where couplets can provide resolution or a thematic twist at the end of the poem.
Courtly love: Courtly love is a medieval European literary conception of love that emphasizes nobility, chivalry, and the idealization of the beloved, often involving a secret and unattainable passion. This notion shaped many relationships depicted in literature, reflecting societal values of medieval England and influencing various genres, including romance and poetry.
Dark lady: The term 'dark lady' refers to a mysterious female figure often associated with the sonnets of William Shakespeare, specifically sonnets 127-154. She is characterized by her dark complexion and enigmatic nature, contrasting with the idealized beauty typically celebrated in poetry. This figure represents complex themes of love, desire, and betrayal within the framework of sonnet forms, particularly highlighting the emotional depth and human experience explored by Shakespeare.
Efef: The term 'efef' refers to a specific rhyme scheme commonly found in poetry, particularly in the context of sonnet forms. This rhyme scheme indicates the pattern in which lines in a stanza rhyme, creating a specific structure that affects the poem's flow and musicality. In sonnets, understanding the 'efef' rhyme scheme helps to distinguish between different forms and enhances the appreciation of the poet's craft.
Emotional turmoil: Emotional turmoil refers to a state of intense emotional disturbance or confusion, often marked by feelings of distress, anxiety, and uncertainty. This concept is particularly significant in literature, as it often reflects the internal conflicts and struggles of characters, providing depth and insight into their motivations and actions.
Enjambment: Enjambment is a poetic device where a line of verse flows into the next line without a pause or break, creating a sense of continuation and urgency. This technique allows poets to express complex ideas and emotions by controlling the pacing and rhythm of their work, often enhancing the thematic depth of their poetry.
Extended Metaphors: An extended metaphor is a figure of speech that compares two unlike things in detail over several lines or throughout an entire work, deepening the meaning and creating connections between the concepts. This device allows writers to explore themes and emotions more thoroughly by illustrating complex ideas in relatable terms. Within the framework of poetry, especially in sonnet forms, extended metaphors can serve as a foundational element that enhances the richness and depth of the poet's message.
Fair youth: The term 'fair youth' refers to a young male figure often idealized in poetry, particularly in sonnets written during the Renaissance. This figure symbolizes beauty, love, and the complexities of desire, serving as an object of affection and inspiration for the poet. In sonnets, this character often embodies themes of youth and the passage of time, emphasizing both the physical allure of youth and the inevitable decay that comes with aging.
Formal language: Formal language refers to a style of communication that adheres to established rules of grammar, syntax, and vocabulary. It is often characterized by a more serious tone and is used in professional, academic, or literary contexts to convey ideas clearly and effectively. This type of language is particularly important in poetry, where structure and formality can enhance the emotional impact and meaning of the work.
Gg: In the context of poetry, 'gg' refers to the rhyme scheme commonly found in sonnet forms, specifically in the closing couplet of a Shakespearean sonnet. This notation indicates that the last two lines of the sonnet rhyme with each other, providing a sense of resolution and finality to the poem's themes. The use of 'gg' enhances the musical quality of the poem and emphasizes key ideas presented throughout the sonnet.
Heart as fortress metaphor: The heart as fortress metaphor represents the idea of the heart as a stronghold that protects one’s emotions and vulnerabilities from outside threats. This metaphor suggests that individuals may build emotional walls to guard against pain or betrayal, reflecting a common theme in poetry and literature, especially within the context of romantic expression found in sonnet forms.
Henry Howard, Earl of Surrey: Henry Howard, Earl of Surrey, was a prominent English poet and nobleman in the 16th century known for his significant contributions to the development of English poetry, especially the sonnet form. He is often recognized as one of the major figures of the Renaissance period in England and played a key role in introducing the Petrarchan sonnet style to English literature, which later influenced other major poets including Shakespeare.
Ice and fire: The term 'ice and fire' represents contrasting themes of love and desire versus pain and suffering, often used to convey the emotional conflict in poetry. This dichotomy plays a crucial role in the structure and themes of sonnets, highlighting the tension between opposing feelings that can be expressed through both Petrarchan and Shakespearean sonnet forms. The interplay between these extremes allows poets to explore complex emotions in a concise format.
Idealized beauty: Idealized beauty refers to a concept of perfection in physical appearance and attributes that is often depicted in art and literature. This notion emphasizes flawless features, harmonious proportions, and an ethereal quality that transcends reality. In poetry, particularly within certain sonnet forms, idealized beauty serves as a muse, inspiring poets to explore themes of love, desire, and admiration through an elevated lens.
Male friendship: Male friendship refers to the bonds formed between men, often characterized by shared experiences, mutual support, and emotional intimacy. In literary contexts, these friendships can reflect societal norms and expectations of masculinity, as well as the complexities of emotional expression among men.
Mortality: Mortality refers to the state of being subject to death, which carries significant philosophical and emotional implications. In literature, especially during the Renaissance, mortality often serves as a central theme, prompting reflections on the human condition, the passage of time, and the nature of existence. This preoccupation with mortality can be seen in various works and poetic forms that explore love, beauty, and the inevitable decline that accompanies life.
Octave: An octave is a poetic form that consists of eight lines, commonly used in sonnets, especially the Petrarchan sonnet. This structure allows poets to develop an idea or argument before transitioning into a contrasting or resolving section, often found in the following sestet. The use of an octave is vital in creating tension or presenting a problem that will be addressed later in the poem.
Patronage: Patronage refers to the support, encouragement, or financial backing provided by individuals or institutions to artists, writers, and musicians. This system of sponsorship played a crucial role in the development of literature and the arts, particularly during the Renaissance and early modern periods, as it allowed creators to pursue their work while being financially secure.
Philosophical questions: Philosophical questions are inquiries that seek to explore fundamental concepts about existence, knowledge, values, reason, mind, and language. These questions often delve into the nature of reality, ethics, and the human experience, inviting deep reflection and analysis. In the context of sonnet forms, these questions can emerge in the themes and subjects explored by poets, reflecting their views on love, beauty, mortality, and truth.
Problem-solution structure: Problem-solution structure is a rhetorical framework used to identify a specific issue and then propose one or more solutions to that issue. This structure helps to create a clear and logical progression in writing, particularly in poetry, where it can be seen in the way themes are presented and resolved. This approach is often essential for conveying complex emotional or social issues succinctly and effectively.
Puns: Puns are a form of wordplay that exploits multiple meanings of a term or similar-sounding words for humorous or rhetorical effect. This clever manipulation of language is a hallmark of comedy, often creating layers of meaning and engaging the audience in a playful interaction with the text. Puns enhance character interactions and highlight themes, making them a staple in comedic writing and poetry, particularly within sonnet forms.
Quatrain: A quatrain is a stanza or a complete poem consisting of four lines, often with varying rhyme schemes and metrical patterns. This structure is commonly used in various poetic forms, especially in sonnets, where quatrains help to develop ideas and themes in a compact manner, creating a rhythmic flow that enhances the emotional impact of the poem.
Renaissance: The Renaissance was a cultural and intellectual movement that began in Italy during the 14th century and spread across Europe, marking a renewed interest in classical art, literature, and learning. This period fostered significant developments in poetry, philosophy, science, and the arts, heavily influencing subsequent generations and laying the groundwork for modern Western thought.
Rhyme scheme: A rhyme scheme is the pattern of rhymes at the end of each line of a poem. It is typically described using letters to represent sounds, where each letter corresponds to a different end sound. Understanding rhyme schemes helps identify the structure and formality of poetry, making it easier to analyze the emotions and themes presented by the poet.
Sestet: A sestet is a six-line stanza or poem, often used in sonnet forms such as the Petrarchan and Shakespearean. It serves as a critical component in shaping the structure and meaning of these poems, providing a resolution or counterargument to the ideas presented in the preceding lines. In sonnets, the sestet typically follows the octave, which consists of eight lines, creating a clear division that enhances thematic development.
Sidney's 'Astrophil and Stella': 'Astrophil and Stella' is a sonnet sequence written by Sir Philip Sidney, first published in 1591, that explores the themes of love, desire, and unattainable beauty through the character of Astrophil, who is in love with Stella. This work is significant in the context of sonnet forms as it combines elements of both Petrarchan and Shakespearean styles while contributing to the evolution of English poetry in expressing emotional depth and complexity.
Sir Thomas Wyatt: Sir Thomas Wyatt was an influential English poet and diplomat of the Renaissance period, recognized for introducing the Petrarchan sonnet form to English literature. His work marked a significant transition in poetic style, blending themes of love and personal experience with a new lyrical quality, which laid the groundwork for later poets such as Shakespeare. His contributions helped establish the sonnet tradition in England, making him a key figure in the development of English poetry.
Spenser's 'Amoretti': 'Amoretti' is a collection of 89 sonnets written by Edmund Spenser, celebrating his courtship of Elizabeth Boyle. This work is notable for its innovative use of the Petrarchan sonnet form while also exhibiting elements of the Shakespearean style. Spenser's 'Amoretti' stands out for its exploration of love and desire through rich imagery, personal experience, and a progression that mirrors the development of his relationship with Boyle.
Time: In literature, particularly in poetry, time refers to the way in which the passage of time and its perception influence themes, structures, and emotions. This concept is crucial in understanding how poets convey feelings of love, loss, and the transient nature of life, especially within the structured frameworks of sonnet forms.
Unrequited love: Unrequited love is a one-sided affection where one person has strong feelings for another who does not reciprocate those feelings. This theme is prevalent in literature, often highlighting emotional turmoil and longing, and serves as a catalyst for expressing deeper sentiments in various poetic forms, particularly in sonnets.
Volta: The volta, often referred to as the 'turn,' is a rhetorical shift or dramatic change in thought and feeling that occurs in a poem, particularly in sonnets. It typically marks a transition between the problem and resolution, or from one perspective to another, allowing poets to explore complex emotional landscapes and engage readers in deeper themes.
Wordplay: Wordplay is a literary technique that involves the clever and witty use of language, often for humorous effect. It can include puns, double entendres, and other forms of verbal humor that rely on the multiple meanings or sounds of words. This technique enhances the richness of dialogue and can serve to deepen themes, characterize relationships, or create comedic situations.