Abab

Definition

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.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The abab rhyme scheme is especially characteristic of Shakespearean sonnets, where it appears in the quatrains.
2. In a typical Shakespearean sonnet, the first three quatrains follow the abab pattern, while the final couplet often uses a gg rhyme scheme.
3. Petrarchan sonnets differ from Shakespearean ones, typically featuring an abbaabba pattern in the octave but may include variations in the sestet.
4. Using an abab rhyme scheme can enhance the poem's emotional impact by linking ideas through sound and rhythm.
5. Many modern poets also experiment with the abab scheme, showcasing its versatility beyond traditional sonnet forms.

Review Questions

• How does the abab rhyme scheme contribute to the overall structure and meaning of a Shakespearean sonnet?
  • The abab rhyme scheme plays a vital role in establishing the structure of a Shakespearean sonnet by creating a rhythmic flow that guides readers through the poet's thoughts. This scheme not only enhances musicality but also strengthens thematic connections between quatrains, allowing for a progression of ideas that builds toward the concluding couplet. The interplay of sounds can highlight contrasts or reinforce emotions expressed in the lines.
• Compare and contrast the use of the abab rhyme scheme in Shakespearean and Petrarchan sonnets, focusing on their respective effects on poetic expression.
  • In Shakespearean sonnets, the abab rhyme scheme is utilized across three quatrains, fostering a sense of development and resolution leading into a concluding couplet. In contrast, Petrarchan sonnets primarily employ an abbaabba pattern in the octave, which creates a more contained reflection before transitioning into a sestet with varied rhyme schemes. This difference affects how each form presents emotional conflict and resolution, with Shakespearean sonnets often allowing for greater complexity through its quatrains.
• Evaluate how contemporary poets adapt the abab rhyme scheme to convey modern themes and ideas in their work.
  • Contemporary poets often adapt the abab rhyme scheme to explore modern themes by playing with traditional forms while infusing them with current language and social issues. This adaptability allows poets to maintain a connection to historical poetic practices while expressing contemporary concerns such as identity, politics, or personal experiences. By doing so, they create a dialogue between past and present, showing how enduring structures like abab can still resonate powerfully with today's audiences.

Related terms

Rhyme Scheme: A pattern of rhymes at the end of each line of a poem, often used to create rhythm and enhance the overall structure.

Sonnets:

A poetic form consisting of 14 lines, typically written in iambic pentameter, which often employs specific rhyme schemes like abab for Shakespearean sonnets.

Iambic Pentameter: A metrical foot used in poetry that consists of five pairs of unstressed and stressed syllables, commonly found in English verse.