The sonnet is a form of verse used continuously for more than 750 years now, according to Spiller (1992: ix). It “is probably the longest-lived of all poetic forms, and certainly the longest-lived of all prescribed forms,” according to him (1992: 2). It is a verse form having a prescribed number of lines, namely fourteen, each consisting of ten syllables if written in English (Murfin, Ray 1998: 372-373). The sonnet has to have a division into certain parts and must follow a rhyme scheme, which is allowed to vary in certain ways (compare Oliphant 1932: 136). It is fascinating that such a prescribed verse form is so attractive to poets. It is definitely a challenge to come to a point having fourteen lines of equal length that also have to rhyme in a certain way.
This is a reason to look at the structure of sonnets and its relation to the sonnets’ content in detail. This will be done in the following chapters of this research paper. First, the different types of the sonnet will be explained theoretically. Afterwards, examples of the different types will be given and analyzed. In addition to the common types, there will be a differing example shown. Conclusions are drawn in chapter four.
Table of Contents
- 1. Introduction
- 2. Basic Types of the Sonnet
- 3. The Sonnet in Literary History
- 3.1 Milton's "When I Consider ..." as an Example of the Italian Sonnet
- 3.2 Daniel's "Fair Is My Love ..." as an Example of the English Sonnet
- 3.3 Spenser's "One Day I Wrote Her Name Upon the Strand" as an Example of the Spenserian Sonnet
- 3.4 Shelley's "Ozymandias" as an Exception to the Rule
- 4. Conclusion
Objectives and Key Themes
The objective of this research paper is to explore the various types of sonnets in English and American literature, examining their structural features and their relationship to poetic content. The paper analyzes the historical development of different sonnet forms and illustrates key characteristics through close readings of specific examples.
- Different types of sonnets (Italian, English, Spenserian)
- The historical development of the sonnet form
- The relationship between form and content in sonnets
- Analysis of specific sonnet examples
- Exceptions to traditional sonnet structures
Chapter Summaries
1. Introduction: This introductory chapter establishes the sonnet as a long-lived and challenging poetic form, characterized by its prescribed fourteen lines, ten syllables per line in English, and specific rhyme schemes. It outlines the paper's structure, promising a theoretical explanation of different sonnet types, followed by analyses of examples, concluding with a synthesis of findings. The chapter highlights the inherent challenge of crafting a sonnet, emphasizing the need for detailed examination of both its form and content.
2. Basic Types of the Sonnet: This chapter provides a theoretical overview of the three most common sonnet types: Italian, English, and Spenserian. It traces the historical evolution of the sonnet, originating in Italy around 1230 and its subsequent adoption into English literature by Wyatt and Surrey. The chapter contrasts the structural features of each type: the Italian sonnet's division into octave and sestet with its rhyme schemes (abbaabba and cdecde or cdcdcd), the English sonnet's three quatrains and concluding couplet (abab cdcd efef gg), and the Spenserian sonnet's linked quatrains (ABAB BCBC CDCD EE). The chapter also touches upon variations in rhyme schemes and the relationship between form and content, setting the stage for the detailed analysis of specific examples in the following chapters.
3. The Sonnet in Literary History: This chapter delves into specific examples of different sonnet types, analyzing their formal structures and the way they relate to their thematic content. It examines the use of iambic pentameter and the significance of rhyme schemes in conveying meaning and mood. While the provided text only offers partial information about specific examples, the chapter’s overall aim is to demonstrate how the chosen examples embody the formal characteristics and thematic nuances discussed in previous sections. The chapter's structure reflects its analytical approach, with each sub-section focused on a specific poet and their use of the sonnet.
Keywords
Sonnet, Italian sonnet, Petrarchan sonnet, English sonnet, Shakespearean sonnet, Spenserian sonnet, rhyme scheme, iambic pentameter, form, content, poetic structure, literary history, English Renaissance, Milton, Shakespeare, Spenser, Shelley.
FAQ: A Comprehensive Language Preview of Sonnets
What is the purpose of this document?
This document provides a comprehensive overview of sonnets, including their various types, historical development, and structural features. It serves as a preview, offering a table of contents, objectives, chapter summaries, and keywords, allowing for a structured and professional analysis of the sonnet form.
What types of sonnets are discussed?
The document focuses primarily on three main types of sonnets: the Italian (or Petrarchan) sonnet, the English (or Shakespearean) sonnet, and the Spenserian sonnet. It also briefly addresses exceptions to traditional sonnet structures.
What are the key structural features of each sonnet type?
The Italian sonnet is divided into an octave (eight lines) and a sestet (six lines) with rhyme schemes abbaabba and cdecde or cdcdcd. The English sonnet consists of three quatrains (four-line stanzas) and a final couplet (two-line stanza) with a rhyme scheme abab cdcd efef gg. The Spenserian sonnet uses linked quatrains with a rhyme scheme ABAB BCBC CDCD EE.
What is the historical context of the sonnet?
The document traces the origin of the sonnet to Italy around 1230 and its subsequent adoption into English literature by Wyatt and Surrey. It explores the sonnet's evolution and its use by significant poets across literary history.
Which poets and their sonnets are analyzed?
The document uses specific examples from various poets to illustrate the different sonnet types and their features. Examples include Milton's "When I Consider...", Daniel's "Fair Is My Love...", Spenser's "One Day I Wrote Her Name Upon the Strand," and Shelley's "Ozymandias". However, only partial information about these specific examples is provided.
What is the relationship between form and content in sonnets explored in the document?
The document emphasizes the close relationship between the sonnet's formal structure (rhyme scheme, meter, stanzaic divisions) and its thematic content. It argues that analyzing both form and content is crucial to understanding a sonnet's meaning and effect.
What are the key themes explored in the document?
Key themes include the different types of sonnets, the historical development of the sonnet form, the relationship between form and content in sonnets, analysis of specific sonnet examples, and exceptions to traditional sonnet structures.
What are the keywords associated with this document?
Keywords include: Sonnet, Italian sonnet, Petrarchan sonnet, English sonnet, Shakespearean sonnet, Spenserian sonnet, rhyme scheme, iambic pentameter, form, content, poetic structure, literary history, English Renaissance, Milton, Shakespeare, Spenser, Shelley.
What is the overall conclusion of the document (as indicated in the preview)?
The document promises a synthesis of findings in its conclusion, summarizing the analysis of various sonnet types and their characteristics, highlighting their historical development and the relationship between form and content.
- Quote paper
- Helga Mebus (Author), 2005, Types of the sonnet in english and american literature, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/93219
