Journal 28: Sonnet Notes
Sonnet: A lyric poem of fourteen lines, usually in iambic pentameter, usually expressing a single, complete idea with a reversal or twist in the concluding lines. There are two common forms.
1) Italian or Petrarchan: Consists of an octave (8 line stanza) followed by a sestet (6 line stanza). The octave is unified with an ABBA ABBA rhyme scheme and presents the main theme; the sestet is unified by any choice of rhyme schemes (CEDECDE, CDCDCD, OR CDEDCE) and brings resolution to the theme. There is a volta (shift in thought) usually between the octave and the sestet.
2) English or Shakespearean: Consists of three quatrains (4 line stanzas) and ends with a final couplet (2 rhyming lines). Each stanza is unified by its own independent rhyme scheme and builds up to a climax in the couplet (ABAB CDCD EFEF GG). Typically the volta (aka turn or shift) comes right before the couplet.
EQs: What is the difference between each sonnet form?
Can you find the volta?
Can you identify a poetic foot?
 |
| Italian (Petrarchan) Form |
 |
| British (Shakespearean) Form |
HW: Journal 29: Sonnet Practice
1) Is this sonnet British or Italian?
2) What poetic devices are present and how does each affect the rhythm, mood or meaning of the poem? (name at least five)
3) Where is the turn and what is the conceptual relationship shown by the structure?
"Death, Be Not Proud" by John Donne
Death, be not proud, though some have called thee
Mighty and dreadful, for thou art not so;
For those whom thou think'st thou dost overthrow
Die not, poor Death, nor yet cans't thou kill me.
From rest and sleep, which but thy pictures be,
Much pleasure; then from thee much more must flow,
And soonest our best men with thee do go,
Rest of their bones, and soul's delivery.
Thou art slave to fate, chance, kings, and desperate men,
And dost with poison, war, and sickness dwell,
And poppy or charms can make us sleep as well
And better than thy stroke; why swell'st thou then?
One short sleep past, we wake eternally
And death shall be no more; Death, thou shalt die.
