1. Sonnet Notes

2. Sonnets
A sonnet is a 14-line lyric poem written in iambic pentameter with a specific rhyme scheme and defined structure.
Sonnets can be divided into quatrains, octaves, sestets, and couplets.

3. Sonnet Sequence
A poet usually writes many sonnets which are meant to be read together to tell a type of story related to a central theme.

4. The Turn
The turn is the point in the poem where the speaker comes to some enlightened conclusion.

5. Sonnets There are three specific types of sonnets:
Spenserian Sonnets, named after Edmund Spenser
Italian Sonnets, also known as Petrarchan sonnets
English Sonnets, also known as Shakespearian sonnets

6. Spenserian Sonnets
Spenserian Sonnets were made popular by Edmund Spenser.

7. Spenserian Sonnets
Spenserian sonnets are made up of three quatrains and an ending couplet.
The rhyme scheme is slightly different:
abab bcbc cdcd ee.
The subject of each quatrain is different, but is linked by the overlapping rhyme scheme.

8. Italian Sonnets
Francisco Petrarch made Italian sonnets popular, so they are often called Petrarchan sonnets.

9. Italian Sonnets
A Petrarchan sonnet is usually divided into two parts: an octave (eight lines) followed by a sestet (six lines).
The rhyme scheme can vary, but the octave is usually abbaabba and the sestet is usually cdcdcd, cdedce, or cdecde.

10. English Sonnets
William Shakespeare made English sonnets popular, so they are often called Shakespearian sonnets.

11. English Sonnets
English or Shakespearian sonnets are made up of three quatrains and an ending couplet.
The rhyme scheme is usually abab cdcd efef gg.
Each quatrain represents a separate part or subject of the poem and the couplet summarizes the speaker’s opinion or resolution.