Volta

Definition

A volta is a rhetorical shift or turn in thought within a poem, often marking a change in emotion, perspective, or argument. This shift typically occurs at a specific point in traditional poetic forms, helping to create contrast and deepen the meaning of the work. It is most commonly found in sonnets but can also play a significant role in other poetic structures by providing an unexpected twist or insight that engages the reader.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The volta typically occurs between the octave and the sestet in an Italian sonnet, serving as a pivot point that contrasts with the poem's earlier themes.
2. In English sonnets, the volta may be found at different points, often occurring at the beginning of the final quatrain or in the final couplet.
3. The term 'volta' is derived from the Italian word for 'turn,' emphasizing its role as a transition within the poem's narrative or emotional arc.
4. While most commonly associated with sonnets, the volta can also appear in other forms of poetry, enriching the overall emotional landscape.
5. Recognizing the volta can greatly enhance a reader's understanding of a poem's structure and its deeper meaning, making it a vital element of poetic analysis.

Review Questions

• How does the volta function within the structure of a sonnet and why is it significant?
  • The volta acts as a critical turning point within a sonnet, typically occurring between the octave and sestet. This shift not only introduces a contrast to the themes presented earlier but also deepens emotional resonance. The significance lies in how it transforms the reader’s understanding of the poem, leading to new insights and emotions as it resolves conflicts or presents an alternative perspective.
• Compare and contrast where the volta typically appears in Italian and English sonnets and its effect on their overall impact.
  • In Italian sonnets, the volta usually appears after the eighth line, separating the octave from the sestet, while in English sonnets, it often occurs at the beginning of the final quatrain or in the closing couplet. This difference influences their overall impact: Italian sonnets build tension leading up to the volta before resolving it in the sestet, while English sonnets can create surprise or closure through their final turn. Both structures use the volta to enrich emotional depth but do so with differing pacing and emphasis.
• Evaluate how recognizing a volta can enhance a reader's interpretation of thematic elements in poetry.
  • Recognizing a volta allows readers to pinpoint shifts in thought or emotion that reveal deeper thematic elements within poetry. By understanding where and how this turn occurs, readers can better analyze how contrasting ideas are presented and reconciled. This evaluation not only enriches their appreciation for the poet's craft but also enables them to draw connections between different themes, enhancing their overall interpretation of meaning and intention behind the poem.

Related terms

Sestet: A six-line stanza or the last six lines of an Italian sonnet, often where the volta occurs.

Couplet: Two consecutive lines of poetry that usually rhyme and often provide a resolution or conclusion, commonly used after the volta in sonnets.

Theme: The central idea or message conveyed by a poem, which may be highlighted or transformed by the volta.