1. Sonnets

2. What is a Sonnet? A sonnet is a 14 line lyric poem, usually written in iambic pentameter, that has a set rhyme scheme. A sonnet is a 14 line lyric poem, usually written in iambic pentameter, that has a set rhyme scheme.

3. Petrarchan/Italian Sonnet Francesco Petrarch created poetry that was the origin of later forms of sonnets. Francesco Petrarch created poetry that was the origin of later forms of sonnets.

4. Two Parts of the Petrarchan Sonnet Part One Part One An 8 line octave which presents a problem, question, or idea. An 8 line octave which presents a problem, question, or idea. Rhyme scheme: abbaabba Rhyme scheme: abbaabba

5. Two Parts of the Petrarchan Sonnet Part Two Part Two A 6 line sestet which resolves, answers or drives home the idea (sometimes referred to as the “turn” of the sonnet). Rhyme scheme: cdecde Rhyme scheme: cdecde

6. Shakespearian/English Sonnet William Shakespeare’s sonnets focus mainly on love, but they also discuss other common themes such as life, old age, conformity, and immortality through poetry and beauty. William Shakespeare’s sonnets focus mainly on love, but they also discuss other common themes such as life, old age, conformity, and immortality through poetry and beauty.

7. Shakespearian Sonnet Parts Three 4 line quatrains Three 4 line quatrains  The first quatrain expresses the theme.  The second and third quatrains develop the theme by varying or extending it.

8. Shakespearian Sonnet Parts (Cont’d) The couplet either summarizes or reverses the theme. Sometimes this is referred to as a “turn.” The couplet either summarizes or reverses the theme. Sometimes this is referred to as a “turn.” Rhyme scheme : Rhyme scheme : –ababcdcdefefgg

9. Spenserian Sonnet Edmund Spenser was one of the earliest writers to master the sonnet. Edmund Spenser was one of the earliest writers to master the sonnet. The Spenserian sonnet has the same set-up as an English sonnet. The Spenserian sonnet has the same set-up as an English sonnet.

10. Spenserian Sonnet (Cont’d) The main difference between the Spenserian sonnet and other sonnet forms is the rhyme scheme: The main difference between the Spenserian sonnet and other sonnet forms is the rhyme scheme: –ababbcbccdcdee