The Sonnet a poem of rhyme and meter

The word “sonnet is Italian for “song” or “little sound.” All sonnets must have 14 lines. All sonnets must be written in Iambic Pentameter.

The Turn Sonnets should contain a “turn” which causes the reader to think about the subject of the poem differently. By the end of a sonnet, you should see the subject (love, death, aging, etc.) in a different light.

Two Types of Sonnets: 1)English (Shakespearean) Sonnet  has a rhyme scheme of ABAB CDCD EFEF GG  the last 2 lines (GG) are called a rhymed couplet  The TURN comes at the couplet

2) Petrarchan (Italian) Sonnet  Has an octave (8 lines) with a rhyme scheme of ABBA ABBA and a sestet (6 lines) with a rhyme scheme of CDC CDC or CDE CDE.  The turn should happen after the octave.