1. Sonnets
Understanding the forms, meter, rhyme, and other aspects of the sonnet.

2. Sonnet Form (all types)
14 lines
iambic pentameter (usually)
follows a specific rhyme scheme, depending on the type of sonnet (more on that later)
Can be any subject, though often about love or nature.
Introduces a problem or question in the beginning, and a resolution is offered after the turn (aka “volta”)

3. Iambic Pentameter
An “iamb” is made of an unstressed syllable and a stressed syllable (in that order). This creates a “foot”
“Penta” is five (lines have five “feet”).
“Meter” is the rhythm of the poem.

4. English Sonnet Form aka “Shakespearean” sonnet
Includes three quatrains (four lines) and a rhyming couplet (two lines)
The rhyme scheme is:
abab cdcd efef gg
The turn is either after eight lines or ten lines.

5. Italian Sonnet aka “Petrarchan” Sonnet.
It includes an octave (eight lines) and a sestet (six lines)
Rhyme scheme:
must begin with abbaabba
can conclude with any variation of c, d, and e (cdecde, cdcdee, etc.).
The turn (volta) in subject matter or response must occur between the octave and the sestet.

6. Spenserian Sonnet Invented by Edmond Spencer
It includes three quatrains and a couplet.
The rhyme scheme is abab bcbc cdcd ee
The turn is the couplet.
We will not focus on this type of sonnet, but it’s good to know it exists