Sonnets Understanding the forms, meter, rhyme, and other aspects of the sonnet.

Sonnet Form (all types) 14 lines iambic pentameter (usually) follows a specific rhyme scheme, depending on the type of sonnet (more on that later) Can be any subject, though often about love or nature. Introduces a problem or question in the beginning, and a resolution is offered after the turn (aka “volta”)

Iambic Pentameter An “iamb” is made of an unstressed syllable and a stressed syllable (in that order). This creates a “foot” “Penta” is five (lines have five “feet”). “Meter” is the rhythm of the poem.

English Sonnet Form aka “Shakespearean” sonnet Includes three quatrains (four lines) and a rhyming couplet (two lines) The rhyme scheme is: abab cdcd efef gg The turn is either after eight lines or ten lines.

Italian Sonnet aka “Petrarchan” Sonnet. It includes an octave (eight lines) and a sestet (six lines) Rhyme scheme: must begin with abbaabba can conclude with any variation of c, d, and e (cdecde, cdcdee, etc.). The turn (volta) in subject matter or response must occur between the octave and the sestet.

Spenserian Sonnet Invented by Edmond Spencer It includes three quatrains and a couplet. The rhyme scheme is abab bcbc cdcd ee The turn is the couplet. We will not focus on this type of sonnet, but it’s good to know it exists