Sonnet:-
Sonnet is a from of poetry. It refers to poems that share certain conventions of length, structure, style, and themes. Sonnet is derived from the Italian word "sonetto" which means "little song" or sound.
Main features of Sonnets:-
A) Fourteen Lines:- generally, all sonnets have fourteen lines. You will find some exceptions.
B) Volta:- The fourteen lines are divided into two parts, normally of eight & six lines. The break between the two parts is known as "Volta".
C) Iambic Pentameter:- This is call the meter of the poem : the number of syllables in each line of the poem. An 'iamb' is a set of two syllables, the first unstressed and the second stressed. 'Pentameter' shows that there are five of these 'iambs' in a line. So, you have ten syllables: unstressed, stressed; unstressed, stressed, etc.
D) Rhyme Scheme:- Different types of sonnets have different Rhyme Scheme. Example is given below
|
Type |
Rhyme Scheme |
Volta Position |
|
Petrarchan |
ABBAABBA; CDECDE or
CDCDCD |
After first octave. |
|
Shakespearean |
ABAB, CDCD, EFEF, GG |
After first octave or
beginning of final couplet. |
|
Spenserian |
ABAB, BCBC, CDCD, EE |
After first octave or
beginning of final couplet. |
