The Sonnet: From Petrarch to Shakespeare UGC NET 2024

If you love poetry, you’ve almost certainly encountered the sonnet form. These compact poems, with their strict structure, have been captivating readers for centuries. But where did they come from, and how did they change over time? Let’s dive into the fascinating journey of the sonnet.

The Birth of the Sonnet

Our story begins in 13th-century Italy, where a poet named Giacomo da Lentini is believed to have invented the sonnet. The word “sonnet” itself comes from the Italian word “sonetto,” meaning “little song.” Back then, sonnets were often set to music and were a popular form of courtly love poetry.

The Italian sonnet reached its zenith with the work of Francesco Petrarca (anglicized as Petrarch). This 14th-century poet was obsessed with a woman named Laura, and his countless sonnets exploring his unrequited love established the major themes of this poetic form.

The Petrarchan Sonnet

Now, let’s get a bit more technical. Traditional Petrarchan sonnets have these defining characteristics:

• 14 lines: The sonnet follows a strict 14-line format.
• Iambic Pentameter: Each line consists of 10 syllables, with a rhythmic pattern known as iambic pentameter (da-DUM, da-DUM, da-DUM, da-DUM, da-DUM).
• Octave & Sestet: The poem divides into two sections – an octave (8 lines) and a sestet (6 lines).
• Rhyme Scheme: The octave usually follows this rhyme scheme: ABBA ABBA. The sestet can be more flexible but often follows variations like CDECDE or CDCDCD.
• Volta: This is the Italian word for “turn,” and in a Petrarchan sonnet, it appears between the octave and the sestet marking a shift in thought, mood, or perspective.

The Sonnet Crosses the English Channel

The sonnet wasn’t confined to Italy. In the 16th century, it made its way to England, thanks in large part to poets like Sir Thomas Wyatt and Henry Howard, Earl of Surrey. These poets were heavily influenced by Petrarch and began adapting the sonnet to the distinct rhythms and rhymes of the English language.

While still sticking to the 14-line form and iambic pentameter, Surrey made a major innovation. He developed a new rhyme scheme that better suited English, thus creating what we know as the Shakespearean or English sonnet.

The Shakespearean Sonnet

Shakespeare, the undisputed master of the form, propelled the English sonnet to even greater heights. If you read a sonnet in English, chances are it follows these rules:

• Three Quatrains & a Couplet: Instead of an octave and sestet, the Shakespearean sonnet is divided into three quatrains (4-line stanzas) and a rhyming couplet (2 lines).
• Rhyme Scheme: ABAB CDCD EFEF GG
• Thematic Development: Each quatrain explores a specific aspect of a theme, followed by a concluding thought or resolution in the couplet. This structure allowed for greater complexity and a satisfying conclusion.

Shakespeare’s most famous sonnet collection, published in 1609, explores themes of love, beauty, mortality, and time, often with a twist or a touch of irony.

Beyond Shakespeare

The sonnet didn’t disappear after Shakespeare’s time, although its rigid structure meant poets could (and did!) get creative in how they pushed its boundaries. Here’s a quick peek at some notable developments:

• Miltonic Sonnet: John Milton (17th century) maintained the Petrarchan structure but often extended his “volta” or turn into the sestet, defying the sonnet’s traditional structure.
• Romantic Sonnets: Romantic poets of the 19th century like William Wordsworth and John Keats brought a new emotional intensity and a focus on nature to the sonnet.
• Sonnet Sequences: Throughout history, poets like Petrarch and Elizabeth Barrett Browning wrote entire sonnet collections linked by common themes or narratives.
• Modern & Contemporary Sonnets: 20th century and contemporary poets continue to play with the sonnet form, mixing traditional elements with free verse or bending the rules entirely to suit their artistic goals

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Why Does the Sonnet Endure?

The sonnet, with its precise structure and rich history, offers a unique challenge and satisfaction to both poets and readers. Its limitations act as a catalyst for creativity. In just a few lines, poets must compress complex ideas and emotions, all while maintaining a musicality of language.

The best sonnets have a jewel-like quality – they’re small yet multifaceted, sparking endless contemplation. Perhaps that’s why even today, poets are still drawn to this centuries-old form, continually finding new ways to express themselves within its timeless structure.

Want to Explore More?

If you’re intrigued and want to dive deeper, here are some great resources:

• Poetry Foundation: A vast online library of sonnets, articles, and resources on poetry. (https://www.poetryfoundation.org/)
• The Academy of American Poets A great place to explore contemporary poets and learn about current trends in sonnets and poetry in general (https://poets.org/)
• Collections: Seek out the sonnets of poets like Petrarch, Shakespeare, Elizabeth Barrett Browning, Edna St. Vincent Millay, and countless modern poets.

Call to Action

Next time you come across a sonnet, take a moment to appreciate it. Think about the structure, the language, the emotions the poet is trying to convey. Who knows, you might even be inspired to try your hand at writing a sonnet of your own!