Sonnet

The sonnet is one of the most famous of traditional poetic forms. It has its origins in Italy, although it became fundamental to English poetry as well with Shakespeare's use of the poetic form. The specific rhyme scheme can depend on the version of the sonnet that one has in mind. The Italian sonnet is organized according to a 4-4-6 line scheme, whereas the English sonnet has a 4-4-4-2 line scheme.  

Definition of a sonnet

Sonnets are rhyming poems that are 14 lines and follow a strict set of guidelines. Webster’s Dictionary defines sonnet as “a fixed verse form of Italian origin consisting of 14 lines that are typically 5-foot iambics rhyming according to a prescribed scheme.”

Traditionally, these poems are very formal, are considered one of the few literary arts to have maintained its set of rules throughout its history, and are used to display emotion more than entertain.

Sonnets originated from Italy but have been used in several cultures, time periods, and countries. Sonnets have become popular in Europe and North America. But they are still used in Russia and much of Asia.

Origins

Sonnet originated as a poem that is derived from the Italian word sonetto, which means “a little sound or song." Traditionally, it is a fourteen-line poem written in a style called iambic pentameter. This means it uses various rhymes to create one whole verse. The tradition dictates the poem stick to a strict set of guidelines. Over the years, sonnets, like most literary elements, broke off into several schools of thought and usage.

Petrarchan sonnet was the first and most common. It is the original Italian with strict deliverance of traditional values. This type of sonnet is named after one of its greatest practitioners, the Italian poet Petrarch. Each Petrarchan sonnet is divided into two stanzas: the first eight lines, called the octave; and the final six lines, called the sestet. 

Sonnets in literature

Sonnets have been a major part of the arts in all cultures, But there are a few masters who are known for the technique. Shakespearean is known as the English sonnet and is the second largest sonnet. But it uses a different system from its brother platform. It has four rhyme schemes instead of two. Three quatrains and a couplet follow use the following rhyme: abab, cdcd, efef, gg. 

And, while Shakespeare’s sonnets were some of the best, John Milton’s Italian-patterned sonnets refined English sonnets to their finest. Milton changed the entire strategy and used inner-thought to pull forth more content. And, while Milton stayed true to the rules of sonnet, he did experiment with the techniques.

Another modern sonnet is the Spenserian sonnet. It was invented by 16th century English poet Edmund Spenser, and it builds on the structure provided by Shakespearean traditions. However, Spenser went further than the three quatrains and a couplet and uses couplet links between quatrains. This style brought the poetry back to a more traditional feel.

Sonnets have continued to grow, and more liberal poets are decisively drawing inspiration from the classical art. Poets Rainer Maria Rilke, Robert Lowell, and John Berryman all used sonnet’s classical roots to build a more relaxed and liberal approach to music. However, many conservative artists feel the classical arts are not being represented in the new music and poetry. In fact, some say, since all ancient schools considered sonnets to have strict guidelines, this means these new versions aren't sonnets at all. Either way, all musical theorists agree the new traditions have changed and evolved the meaning of sonnet to a new level. Our writers have knowledge in a wide range of subjects, so when you buy custom essays you know they were written by experts in their field.