What is a Sonnet? Understanding the forms, meter, rhyme, and other aspects of the sonnet.

Sonnet Form A sonnet has 14 lines. A sonnet must be written in iambic pentameter A sonnet must follow a specific rhyme scheme, depending on the type of sonnet. A sonnet can be about any subject, though they are often about love or nature. A sonnet introduces a problem or question in the beginning, and a resolution is offered after the turn.

Iambic Pentameter A line of Iambic Pentameter is a line with ten beats. An “Iamb” is two beats, or one “foot.” “Penta” is five (line has five “feet”). “Meter” is the rhythm of the poem. A “foot” is made of an unstressed syllable and a stressed syllable (in that order). All idea discussed in upcoming slides

Sonnet Types Two kinds: 1. Petrarchan (Italian Sonnet) & 2. Shakespearean Sonnet (Elizabethan or English Sonnet). Shakespearean includes three quatrains (groups of four lines) and a couplet (two lines). The rhyme scheme is often: abab cdcd efef gg. I got in the house. A And sat on my hat. B I was not by the mouse. A Because of the cat. B A turn marks a shift in the direction of the argument or narrative. (change in idea, tone, or mood) Shakespearean turn is typically in the couplet. The Petrarchan turn is either after eight lines or ten lines and has a more difficult rhyme scheme. Two kinds 3 quatrains however, they are all lined up with no spaces between them- do not look like stanzas The quatrains show up in the rhyme scheme

Shakespearean turn is typically in the couplet. A turn marks a shift in the direction of the argument or narrative. (change in idea, tone, or mood) Shakespearean turn is typically in the couplet. The Petrarchan turn is either after eight lines or ten lines and has a more difficult rhyme scheme. Petrarchan=P=Period of time Shakespearean= S= Speedy change @ the couplet Turn/change in mood, idea or otherwise- usually in last 2 lines (couplet) where the idea often changes for the opposite The Italian sonnet reveals the epiphany/revelation of the subject slowly, the Shakespearean Sonnet makes a quick change to the epiphany/revelation in the ending couplet.

My mistress' eyes are nothing like the sun; Coral is far more red than her lips' red: If snow be white, why then her breasts are dun; If hairs be wires, black wires grow on her head. I have seen roses damask'd, red and white, But no such roses see I in her cheeks; And in some perfumes is there more delight Than in the breath that from my mistress reeks. I love to hear her speak,--yet well I know That music hath a far more pleasing sound; I grant I never saw a goddess go, My mistress when she walks, treads on the ground; And yet, by heaven, I think my love as rare As any she belied with false compare. Shakespeare Where are the quatrains? What is the subject- wife tone-author sounds like?- matter of fact, complaint, discontent? mood- audience feels- sorry for, cringing, surprised Turn- Where?, What is the change in the narrative? Rhyme Scheme?

My mistress' eyes are nothing like the sun; A Coral is far more red than her lips' red: B If snow be white, why then her breasts are dun; A If hairs be wires, black wires grow on her head. B I have seen roses damask'd, red and white, C But no such roses see I in her cheeks; D And in some perfumes is there more delight C Than in the breath that from my mistress reeks. D I love to hear her speak,--yet well I know E That music hath a far more pleasing sound; F I grant I never saw a goddess go, E My mistress when she walks, treads on the ground; F And yet, by heaven, I think my love as rare G As any she belied with false compare. G Shakespeare Where are the quatrains? What is the subject- wife tone-author sounds like?- matter of fact, complaint, discontent? mood- audience feels- sorry for, cringing, surprised Turn- Where?, What is the change in the narrative? Rhyme Scheme?

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