Sonnet in General the Term

Sonnet

In general the term 'sonnet' in literature refers to "A lyric poem of fourteen lines, following one or another of several set rhyme-schemes." (THE SONNET)

The consensus is that the word sonnet comes from the Italian sonetto, which means liitle sound. The sonnetto was "...originally a poem recited with sound, that is, with a musical accompaniment, a short poem of the rispetto kind, sung to the strains of lute or mandolin." (Sharp W)

There are three main sonnet forms that are most commonly identified in literary studies. These are the Petrarchan, Shakespearean and Spenserian sonnet forms The Petrarchan sonnet is also known as the Italian sonnet and was named after Petrarch, the Italian poet. The structure of this sonnet form comprises an octet and a sestet. The octave contains two quatrains (stanzas of four lines) with an abbba rhyme scheme.. There is also a " volta" or change between the octave and the sestet. This refers to a change in the viewpoint, tone or subject matter of the sonnet. The sestet, or second division, consists of six lines, rhyming cdecde, cdccdc, or cdedce. This division is not only structural but also important in terms of the overall artistic flow and integrity of the poem.

The octave bears the burden; a doubt, a problem, a reflection, a query, an historical statement, a cry of indignation or desire, a Vision of the ideal The sestet eases the load, resolves the problem or doubt, answers the query, solaces the yearning, realizes the vision."

Sonnet Structure)

The Petrarchan was to develop into a major form of love poetry.

The Italian sonnet was well established by 1200 and by 1500 it was being adapted by Shakespeare, among others, to create the English or Shakespearean sonnet. The structure of the English sonnet comprises three quatrains with a final couplet in iambic pentameter. The rhyme scheme is usually abab cdcd efef gg. This sonnet form has four divisions: three quatrains and a rhymed couplet. The concluding couplet usually provides a form of commentary and closure. The Spenserian sonnet combines elements of both Italian and the Shakespearean forms. It has three quatrains and a couplet but differ in that it has linking rhymes between the quatrains.

In the 17th Century the sonnet was adapted and used by John Donne in his religious poetry and by Milton who adapted to political themes. It was later revived by Wordsworth in the 19th Century, after being relatively neglected in the 18th Century. (Baldick C.) have chosen Shakespeare Sonnet CXVI - Let me not to the marriage of true minds, to discuss.

The central aspect that appeals to me in this poem is its condensed and logical structure. The central point that is made is carried through the poem in a clear and concise way. This central theme is to emphasize that love, if it is true love, is enduring and permanent. True love cannot be subject to change or decline. From the very first stanza this central theme is announced.