Sonnet

(e-Content developed by Dr N A Jarandikar) 

Sonnet

Introduction:

A sonnet is a 14-line poem. It follows a specific rhyme pattern. It is one of the most popular forms of poetry in English literature.

Main Features of  Sonnet:

1. A sonnet always has 14 lines.
2. The pattern of rhyming words at the end of lines is specific. Different types of sonnets have different rhyme schemes.

Types of Sonnets:

There are two types of sonnets: 1. Shakespearean sonnet; 2. Petrarchan sonnet. 

Shakespearean sonnet is also known as the English sonnet. Petrarchan sonnet is also known as the Italian sonnet.

Shakespeare is an important English poet and dramatist. He belonged to England when Queen Elizabeth was ruling there. So, very often Shakespearean sonnet is also known as the Elizabethan sonnet. 

Petrarch was an Italian poet. He made the sonnet form very popular. The sonnet form came to England from Italy. 

The main features of Shakespearean and Petrarchan sonnet are as follows:

1. Shakespearean (English) Sonnet

   • Shakespearean sonnet is divided into three stanzas with four lines each and followed by  final  two lines (couplet) (4+4+4+2).
   • In Shakespearean sonnet, the rhyme scheme is ABAB CDCD EFEF GG.
   • Many of Shakespeare’s sonnets, like "My Mistress' Eyes" or “Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day?” are examples of the Shakespearean sonnet.

2. Petrarchan (Italian) Sonnet

   • Petrarchan sonnet is divided into two stanzas (8+6). Eight lined stanza is termed as octave and the six lined stanza is termed as sestet.
   • Rhyme scheme of Petrarchan sonnet is ABBAABBA (first 8 lines) and CDECDE or CDCDCD (last 6 lines).
   • Sonnets by the Italian poet Petrarch.

Themes of Sonnets of sonnets are as follows:

• Love and beauty
• Time and mortality
• Nature and emotions
• Philosophical ideas

Conclusion:

Sonnets are short but expressive poems that follow a strict structure. They have been written by famous poets like Shakespeare, John Milton, and William Wordsworth. Even today, sonnets remain a powerful way to express deep emotions in poetry.

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