Ottava Rima

Definition

Ottava rima is a verse form consisting of eight lines of iambic pentameter with a specific rhyme scheme of ABABABCC. This poetic structure has roots in Italian literature and became popular in English poetry during the Romantic and Victorian eras, serving as a vehicle for the revival of epic themes and narratives.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Ottava rima was notably used by poets such as Lord Byron and John Keats, who adapted it to express their Romantic ideals.
2. This form often features grand themes, heroism, and adventure, making it suitable for epic storytelling.
3. The rhyme scheme ABABABCC allows for a balance between tension and resolution within the poem, creating a compelling narrative flow.
4. Ottava rima also showcases the shift towards more personal and emotional expressions in poetry during the Victorian revival of epic forms.
5. By incorporating this structure, poets were able to bridge classical tradition with modern themes, reflecting the complexities of contemporary life.

Review Questions

• How did the use of ottava rima by poets like Lord Byron reflect the ideals of the Romantic movement?
  • Poets like Lord Byron employed ottava rima to convey themes of heroism, adventure, and emotional depth, which were central to Romantic ideals. The structure's balance between tension and resolution mirrors the conflicts faced by romantic heroes, allowing for a dynamic narrative. Byron's use of this form illustrates how traditional poetic structures were adapted to express new artistic sensibilities that celebrated individual experience and emotional truth.
• Discuss how ottava rima was adapted during the Victorian era and its significance in reviving epic poetry.
  • During the Victorian era, ottava rima saw adaptations that allowed poets to engage with grand themes while also addressing contemporary issues. This form became significant as it provided a means to reintroduce epic narratives that reflected societal changes and individual struggles. Poets utilized ottava rima to blend classical forms with modern content, showcasing their ability to uphold tradition while innovatively exploring new ideas.
• Evaluate the role of ottava rima in shaping the evolution of English poetry from the Romantic period to the Victorian revival.
  • Ottava rima played a crucial role in shaping English poetry's evolution from the Romantic period to the Victorian revival by bridging classical forms with modern themes. Its structured nature allowed poets to tackle complex emotional landscapes while maintaining narrative coherence. The transition from purely classical influences to incorporating personal experiences illustrates a broader shift in poetic expression, reflecting society's changing values and increasing emphasis on individuality during this transformative time in literature.

Related terms

Iambic Pentameter: A metrical foot consisting of five feet, where each foot is made up of an unstressed syllable followed by a stressed syllable, commonly used in English poetry.

Rhyme Scheme: The pattern of rhymes at the end of each line in a poem, which helps create rhythm and structure.

Romanticism: An artistic and intellectual movement that emphasized emotion, individualism, and nature, often contrasting with the rationalism of the Enlightenment.