Ottava Rima

Definition

Ottava rima is a stanzaic form consisting of eight lines of iambic pentameter, with a specific rhyme scheme of ABABABCC. This structure provides a rhythmic and melodic quality that enhances the narrative and thematic elements of the poetry. It is particularly effective in epic and narrative poems, allowing for both storytelling and lyrical expression.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Ottava rima was popularized by poets such as Ludovico Ariosto and later adopted by English poets like John Milton and Lord Byron.
2. The use of ottava rima in 'The Faerie Queene' allows Spenser to weave complex narratives while maintaining a lyrical quality.
3. Each stanza in ottava rima can serve as a self-contained unit, which helps to build suspense or tension in epic storytelling.
4. Spenser's mastery of ottava rima showcases his ability to balance formality with emotional depth in his poetry.
5. This stanzaic form contributes to the overall grandeur and heroic tone found in epic works, making it suitable for exploring themes of virtue, honor, and adventure.

Review Questions

• How does ottava rima enhance the narrative structure in 'The Faerie Queene'?
  • Ottava rima enhances the narrative structure in 'The Faerie Queene' by providing a rhythmic and melodic framework that supports Spenser's storytelling. The eight-line stanzas allow for complex character development and plot progression, while the rhyme scheme helps to create a musical quality that engages the reader. This structure also enables Spenser to explore deep themes while maintaining a sense of continuity throughout the poem.
• Discuss the significance of rhyme schemes in poetic forms like ottava rima and their impact on reader experience.
  • Rhyme schemes play a crucial role in poetic forms like ottava rima by creating patterns that enhance the musicality and flow of the poem. In ottava rima's ABABABCC scheme, the alternating rhymes build anticipation and engagement, drawing readers into the unfolding narrative. This structured approach not only aids memorability but also adds layers of meaning and emotion, enriching the overall reading experience.
• Evaluate how Spenser's use of ottava rima in 'The Faerie Queene' reflects his thematic concerns about virtue and heroism.
  • Spenser's use of ottava rima in 'The Faerie Queene' effectively mirrors his thematic concerns about virtue and heroism through its formal structure and lyrical quality. The combination of iambic pentameter with the specific rhyme scheme allows for nuanced expressions of moral complexity within heroic actions. By employing this stanzaic form, Spenser not only elevates his characters' virtues but also reinforces the epic nature of their quests, showcasing how personal and societal values intertwine in the pursuit of honor.

Related terms

Iambic Pentameter: A metrical line consisting of five pairs of syllables, where the first syllable is unstressed and the second is stressed, creating a rhythmic flow that is common in English poetry.

Rhyme Scheme: The pattern of rhymes at the end of each line in a poem, which can enhance its musicality and structure; in ottava rima, the rhyme scheme is specifically ABABABCC.

Epic Poetry: A long narrative poem that often deals with heroic deeds, significant events, or the adventures of legendary figures, commonly utilizing structured forms like ottava rima.