Spenserian Sonnet

Definition

The Spenserian sonnet is a poetic form that consists of 14 lines divided into three quatrains followed by a couplet, with a specific rhyme scheme of ABAB BCBC CDCD EE. Named after the poet Edmund Spenser, this sonnet form is known for its intricate interlocking rhyme and often explores themes of love, beauty, and moral ideals.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Spenserian sonnet's rhyme scheme creates a musical quality and allows for a seamless flow between quatrains, enhancing the poem's narrative or thematic development.
2. Edmund Spenser’s use of this form in his work 'The Faerie Queene' helped to establish its popularity in English poetry during the late 16th century.
3. Unlike the Petrarchan sonnet, which has an octave and a sestet, the Spenserian sonnet is more unified in structure through its interlinked quatrains.
4. The volta, or turn in thought, typically occurs towards the end of the third quatrain or in the couplet, providing a resolution or twist to the poem's themes.
5. Spenserian sonnets often delve into idealized love and philosophical reflections, making them distinct in their emotional depth compared to other sonnet forms.

Review Questions

• How does the rhyme scheme of the Spenserian sonnet differ from that of other sonnet forms, and what effect does this have on the overall structure?
  • The Spenserian sonnet features an interlocking rhyme scheme of ABAB BCBC CDCD EE, which contrasts with the Petrarchan sonnet's ABBA ABBA CDCDCD or CDECDE pattern. This interlocking structure allows for a smooth transition between quatrains, creating a sense of continuity and cohesiveness. As a result, the poem can develop more complex themes and narratives as each quatrain builds upon the last.
• Discuss the thematic significance of love and beauty in Spenser's sonnets, particularly how these themes are expressed through the use of interlocking rhyme and structure.
  • In Spenser's sonnets, themes of love and beauty are often intricately woven into the fabric of his interlocking rhyme scheme. The continuity provided by this structure mirrors the ongoing exploration of these ideals throughout the poem. By using three quatrains followed by a couplet, Spenser can elaborate on aspects of love—such as longing or admiration—before culminating in a powerful resolution that encapsulates his feelings, showcasing both emotional depth and complexity.
• Evaluate how Edmund Spenser’s innovative use of the sonnet form influenced later poets and contributed to the evolution of English poetry.
  • Edmund Spenser's innovative approach to the sonnet form, particularly through his development of the Spenserian sonnet, significantly influenced later poets by introducing a new structure that allowed for deeper emotional exploration and thematic complexity. Poets such as John Milton and William Shakespeare adopted elements from his style while maintaining their unique voices. This evolution contributed to a rich tradition in English poetry where varied sonnet forms could convey intricate personal and philosophical ideas, ultimately shaping the direction of lyric poetry in subsequent centuries.

Related terms

Quatrain:

A stanza or poem consisting of four lines, often with alternating rhyme schemes.

Couplet: A pair of successive lines in a poem that usually rhyme and have the same meter.

Rhyme Scheme: The pattern of rhymes at the end of each line of a poem, often designated by letters to denote which lines rhyme with each other.