Sonnet

Definition

A sonnet is a poetic form that consists of 14 lines, typically written in iambic pentameter, with a specific rhyme scheme. This structure allows poets to explore complex themes and emotions within a concise format, often focusing on love, nature, or philosophical reflections. The sonnet has evolved through different styles, such as the Petrarchan and Shakespearean forms, influencing many poets in the Victorian era to adapt and innovate within this established framework.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Victorian poets like Elizabeth Barrett Browning and Robert Browning revitalized the sonnet form, using it to express personal and social themes.
2. The sonnet's strict structure encourages a tension between form and content, allowing poets to convey intense emotions within limited space.
3. Many Victorian sonnets challenge traditional themes by incorporating modern concerns such as gender roles and social justice.
4. The use of imagery and metaphor is crucial in Victorian sonnets, allowing poets to create vivid pictures that resonate with readers.
5. Sonnets often contain a 'volta' or turn, which marks a shift in thought or emotion, enhancing the poem's depth and complexity.

Review Questions

• How do the structural elements of a sonnet contribute to its effectiveness in conveying themes in Victorian poetry?
  • The structure of a sonnet, with its 14 lines and specific rhyme schemes, creates a tight framework that compels poets to express complex ideas succinctly. In Victorian poetry, this structure allows for intense emotional exploration within a constrained form. The use of iambic pentameter further enhances the musical quality of the poem, making it more engaging for readers while also reinforcing the rhythmic flow of thoughts and emotions.
• Compare and contrast the Petrarchan and Shakespearean sonnets in their thematic focus and stylistic approaches as seen in Victorian poetry.
  • Petrarchan sonnets often explore unrequited love or idealized beauty through their octave-sestet structure, allowing for emotional depth and reflection. In contrast, Shakespearean sonnets utilize three quatrains followed by a couplet to develop themes in a more argumentative or narrative style. Victorian poets adopted these forms but often infused them with contemporary issues like social critique or gender dynamics, showcasing their versatility while maintaining traditional structures.
• Evaluate how Victorian poets used the sonnet form to address societal issues and personal experiences during their time period.
  • Victorian poets effectively used the sonnet form to engage with pressing societal issues such as gender inequality, industrialization, and moral dilemmas while also reflecting personal experiences of love and loss. The compact nature of the sonnet allowed for a concentrated exploration of these themes, often leading to profound insights within just 14 lines. This blend of personal reflection and societal commentary helped redefine the sonnet's purpose during the Victorian era, making it relevant to contemporary audiences while still honoring its traditional roots.

Related terms

Iambic Pentameter: A metrical pattern in poetry consisting of five feet (iambs) per line, where each foot contains an unstressed syllable followed by a stressed syllable.

Petrarchan Sonnet: A type of sonnet that features an octave followed by a sestet, typically following the rhyme scheme ABBAABBA for the octave and varying for the sestet.

Shakespearean Sonnet: A type of sonnet consisting of three quatrains followed by a couplet, with the rhyme scheme ABABCDCDEFEFGG.