7 Types of Sonnet Explained With Examples
Explore the 7 types of sonnet every poet should know, from Petrarchan to Modern. Enhance your poetry skills today! Learn more and get inspired.
Discovering the different forms of sonnets can help poets improve their skills and creativity.
Each type has its own unique style and structure, offering various ways to express ideas and emotions.
Did you know?
A study of published poetry collections found that sonnets make up approximately 15% of all formal poetry written in English today, showcasing their enduring popularity.
In this blog post, you'll learn:
- Petrarchan (Italian) Sonnet
- Shakespearean (English) Sonnet
- Spenserian Sonnet
- Miltonic Sonnet
- Modern Sonnet
- Terza rima
- Curtal sonnet
Let's start discussing them!
7 main types of sonnets that every poet should know
Here are the seven main types of sonnets outlined below:
1. Petrarchan (Italian) Sonnet
The Petrarchan sonnet, also known as the Italian sonnet, was developed by the Italian poet Francesco Petrarca (Petrarch) in the 14th century.
Petrarch's sonnets, dedicated to his idealized beloved Laura, became immensely popular and influenced many poets across Europe.
The Petrarchan form was introduced to England in the 16th century, where it influenced poets such as Sir Thomas WyattHenry Howard, Earl of Surrey, before giving way to the development of the Shakespearean sonnet.
Definition
A Petrarchan sonnet is a type of sonnet that follows a specific structure and rhyme scheme.
It consists of 14 lines written in iambic pentameter and is divided into an octave (eight-line stanza) and a sestet (six-line stanza).
The rhyme scheme for the octave is typically ABBAABBA, while the sestet can follow a variety of patterns such as CDECDE, CDCDCD, or CDEDCE
Structure of a Petrarchan Sonnet
The Petrarchan sonnet's structure allows for a clear division between the problem or situation presented in the octave and the resolution or counterargument provided in the sestet.
Here’s a breakdown of its form:
- Octave (ABBAABBA)
The first eight lines often introduce a problem, situation, or emotional state.
- Sestet (CDECDE or variant)
The final six lines offer a resolution, counterargument, or reflection on the octave.
The transition between the octave and sestet is known as the "volta" or "turn," marking a shift in the poem's direction or tone.
Example and Analysis
Let's analyze Petrarch's Sonnet 90 ("Upon the breeze she spread her golden hair")
Octave
In the first part of the poem, the poet talks about how beautiful the person he loves is.
He describes her golden hair, bright eyes, and lovely face.
These features make him feel very emotional and passionate, like he's burning with love.
Sestet
In the second part, the poet changes his focus. He starts talking about how the person he loves is proud and unkind.
Even though he loves her deeply, she doesn’t love him back. This makes his strong feelings of love seem less important and more painful.
Themes
The poet describes the person he loves as being extremely beautiful, almost unrealistically so, which is common in these types of poems.
The poet loves this person a lot, but she doesn’t love him back. This causes him a lot of inner conflict.
The poem is full of strong emotions like love, longing, and sadness.
Turning Point (Volta)
The turning point of the poem happens at the start of the second part (line 9). This is where the poet shifts from talking about how beautiful his beloved is to discussing how her pride and rejection hurt him.
Overall, This type of poem, a Petrarchan sonnet, allows the poet to tell a deep and emotional story in a short amount of space.
It highlights the contrast between admiration and despair, and beauty and unreachability, showing the complexity of human emotions, especially in love and longing.
2. Shakespearean Sonnet
The shakespearean sonnet, also known as the English sonnet, is one of the most well-known and celebrated poetic forms.
It evolved from the Italian (Petrarchan) sonnet form, which was introduced to England by Sir Thomas Wyatt and Henry Howard, Earl of Surrey, in the early 16th century.
These poets modified the structure to better fit the English language, leading to the creation of the Shakespearean sonnet form.
William Shakespeare popularized this form in the late 16th and early 17th centuries with his sequence of 154 sonnets, which remain some of the most famous and influential in the English language.
Definition
A Shakespearean sonnet is a type of sonnet characterized by its specific structure and rhyme scheme.
It consists of 14 lines, typically written in iambic pentameter, and follows the rhyme scheme ABAB CDCD EFEF GG.
The Shakespearean sonnet is known for its thematic flexibility, often exploring themes of love, beauty, politics, mortality, and the nature of poetry itself.
Form and Structure
The Shakespearean sonnet has a distinct structure comprising three quatrains (four-line stanzas) followed by a final rhymed couplet (two-line stanza).
Here's a breakdown of its form:
- Three Quatrains (ABAB CDCD EFEF)
Each quatrain typically introduces and develops a different aspect of the poem’s central theme or argument.
- Rhymed Couplet (GG)
The final two lines often provide a resolution, a twist, or a commentary on the preceding quatrains. This couplet can deliver a punchy conclusion or a profound insight.
The use of iambic pentameter means each line typically contains ten syllables, following an unstressed-stressed pattern (da-DUM da-DUM da-DUM da-DUM da-DUM).
Example and Analysis
Example: Sonnet 18 ("Shall I compare thee to a summer's day?")
First Part (Lines 1-4)
The speaker starts by thinking about comparing the person they love to a summer day.
Right away, they decide that their beloved is more beautiful and gentle.
Summer can be rough and doesn't last long.
Second Part (Lines 5-8)
The speaker goes on to list more flaws of summer.
The sun can be too hot, and sometimes it gets covered by clouds.
Also, beauty in general doesn't last long because it can be affected by time and chance.
Third Part (Lines 9-12)
Here, the speaker says that the beloved's beauty will never fade.
Unlike summer, which comes and goes, the beloved's "eternal summer" will never end.
This is because poetry can make their beauty last forever.
Final Part (Lines 13-14)
The poem ends with a strong conclusion: as long as people are alive and reading this poem, the beloved's beauty will live on forever through these words.
Themes
The poem suggests that poetry can make someone’s beauty last forever.
Comparing the beloved to a summer’s day shows that true beauty is even greater than the most beautiful things in nature.
Natural beauty fades over time, but the beauty captured in poetry can last forever.
Overall, this type of poem, a Shakespearean sonnet, lets the poet build a detailed argument about beauty and immortality.
It ends with a powerful message that the beloved's beauty will live on through the poem itself.
3. Spenserian Sonnet
The spenserian sonnet, named after the English poet Edmund Spenser, was developed in the late 16th century.
Spenser introduced this form in his major work, "Amoretti," a sequence of 89 sonnets dedicated to his future wife, Elizabeth Boyle.
The Spenserian sonnet is a variation of the English (Shakespearean) sonnet, distinguished by its unique interlocking rhyme scheme, which Spenser adapted to create a more connected and cohesive structure.
Definition
A Spenserian sonnet is a type of sonnet characterized by its specific structure and rhyme scheme.
It consists of 14 lines written in iambic pentameter, following the rhyme scheme ABAB BCBC CDCD EE.
This interlocking pattern links the quatrains together more tightly than in the Shakespearean sonnet, leading to a more integrated and flowing progression of ideas.
Form and Structure
The Spenserian sonnet has a distinctive structure comprising three interlocking quatrains followed by a final rhymed couplet.
Here's a breakdown of its form:
- Three Interlocking Quatrains (ABAB BCBC CDCD)
Each quatrain builds upon the previous one, creating a seamless transition between ideas and enhancing the thematic cohesion of the poem.
- Rhymed Couplet (EE)
The final two lines provide a conclusion or commentary, often bringing a sense of closure or resolution to the poem.
The use of iambic pentameter means that each line contains the ten syllables, following an unstressed-stressed pattern (da-DUM da-DUM da-DUM da-DUM da-DUM).
Example and Analysis
Example: Sonnet 75 from Edmund Spenser's "Amoretti" ("One day I wrote her name upon the strand")
- First Quatrain (Lines 1-4)
The poet talks about trying to write his beloved's name in the sand, but the waves wash it away.
This shows how life and the things people do don't last forever; they're temporary, like the writing in the sand that gets washed away.
- Second Quatrain (Lines 5-8)
The loved one answers, saying it's pointless to try to make something that's not meant to last forever, last forever.
She understands that things will eventually fade away and that her name will be forgotten.
- Third Quatrain (Lines 9-12)
The poet disagrees with her idea, saying that even though physical things will decay over time, his poetry will keep her good qualities and her name alive forever.
So, through his poems, she'll be remembered beyond the limitations of mortality.
- Couplet (Lines 13-14)
In the last two lines, the poet says that their love will keep going and be passed down to future generations because of the lasting strength of his poetry.
Even when death seems to have control over everything, their love will still endure.
Themes
- The poet believed that poetry can grant eternal life to the beloved’s virtues and their love.
- The imagery of writing in the sand highlights the transient nature of human life and endeavors.
- The poem suggests that true love transcends time and mortality.
Volta
In a Spenserian sonnet, there's a turn, called a volta, usually happening at the start of the ninth line. This is where the poem changes direction, moving from the beloved's acceptance of mortality to the poet's belief in the lasting strength of his poetry.
The Spenserian sonnet's structure, with its linked rhyme scheme, helps ideas flow smoothly, letting Spenser craft a complicated argument about love, mortality, and poetry's power.
This form brings together the poem's themes, leading to a deep and meaningful ending.
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4. Miltonic Sonnet
The miltonic sonnet, named after the English poet John Milton, represents a significant evolution of the sonnet form.
Milton (1608–1674) is best known for his epic poem "Paradise Lost," but his contributions to the sonnet form are also notable.
He adapted the traditional sonnet structure to suit his purposes, often using it to explore themes of personal, political, and philosophical nature.
Milton's sonnets often differ from the earlier ones that mainly focus on love.
Instead, he talks about the issues of his time and his own life experiences.
Definition
A Miltonic sonnet is a type of sonnet that retains the basic structure of the Petrarchan sonnet but allows for greater flexibility in terms of themes and occasionally structure.
Milton's sonnets follow the Petrarchan rhyme scheme and structure, but they're a bit more flexible, with less strict separation between the first eight lines (octave) and the final six lines (sestet).
This form allows Milton to explore deeper and weightier topics, like personal struggles, politics, and religion.
Form and Structure
The Miltonic sonnet typically consists of 14 lines written in iambic pentameter, following the Petrarchan rhyme scheme (ABBAABBA for the octave and CDECDE or a variant for the sestet).
However, Miltonic sonnets are noted for their thematic complexity and often feature a more seamless transition between the octave and sestet, sometimes even eliminating the volta.
- Octave (ABBAABBA)
The first eight lines traditionally introduce a situation, problem, or theme.
- Sestet (CDECDE or variant)
The final six lines offer a resolution, reflection, or counterargument, though in Milton's sonnets, this division is often less pronounced.
Example and Analysis
Example: "When I Consider How My Light is Spent" by John Milton
- Octave (Lines 1-8)
The speaker thinks about his blindness, symbolized as "how my light is spent," and feels sad about not being able to use his talent anymore.
He believes that his ability to serve God is now being wasted.
He wonders if God still wants him to do work even though he can't see.
- Sestet (Lines 9-14)
Patience, portrayed as a person, answers the speaker's doubts by saying that God doesn't rely on human work or talents, but values those who handle their challenges with grace.
The last six lines end with the strong statement, "They also serve who only stand and wait," highlighting that even in times of inactivity, one can still serve God.
Themes
The sonnet explores different ways of serving God, suggesting that patience and acceptance of one's limitations are also forms of service.
The poet reflects on his blindness and its impact on his life and work.
The poem meditates on the idea that God’s plans are beyond human understanding and that faith and patience are crucial virtues.
Volta
In this sonnet, the volta, or turning point, happens at line 9.
Here, the speaker's self-doubt and questioning are answered by Patience, moving the focus from the speaker's personal sorrow to a larger reflection on theology.
Overall, Milton's use of the flexible Miltonic sonnet form lets him explore personal and philosophical ideas in depth.
This form allows for a thoughtful and often deep look into the human experience and its connection to the divine.
The structure of the Miltonic sonnet helps weave together ideas smoothly, making it a potent tool for serious and reflective poetry.
5. Modern Sonnet
Modern sonnets mark a departure from traditional forms, embracing changes in structure, theme, and style.
Emerging in the 20th century, poets started to play with the sonnet's conventions, stretching its limits while keeping some of its fundamental elements intact.
Influences on modern sonnets range from early modernists like T.S. Eliot and W.H. Auden to present-day poets.
These sonnets explore diverse topics such as personal identity, social concerns, and abstract ideas, often with a less strict adherence to form and meter.
Definition
A modern sonnet is a 14-line poem that may or may not follow strictly to traditional sonnet forms such as the Petrarchan or Shakespearean.
While many modern sonnets maintain the 14-line structure, they often exhibit greater flexibility in rhyme scheme, meter, and thematic focus.
The modern sonnet allows poets to blend classical elements with innovative approaches, creating a dynamic and versatile form.
Form and Structure
While there is no single structure for the modern sonnet, several common variations exist:
- Traditional Influence
Some modern sonnets retain the classic structures of Petrarchan (ABBAABBA CDECDE) or Shakespearean (ABABCDCDEFEFGG) forms but may experiment with deviations in rhyme or meter.
- Free Verse Influence
Some poets may choose to completely disregard traditional rhyme schemes and meter, opting instead to concentrate on the thematic and emotional impact of the 14-line structure.
- Hybrid Forms
Many modern sonnets blend elements of different sonnet forms or introduce new patterns, using the 14-line framework as a flexible container for diverse poetic expressions.
Example and Analysis
Example: "Prayer" by Carol Ann Duffy
Form and Structure
- Rhyme Scheme
The poem follows an ABABCDCDEFEFGG rhyme scheme, reminiscent of the Shakespearean sonnet but with some flexibility.
- Meter
It generally follows iambic pentameter, but with modern variations in rhythm and line length that reflect natural speech patterns.
Themes
The poem explores the idea of prayer beyond religious confines, suggesting that moments of reflection and connection can serve as secular prayers.
It captures ordinary yet profound moments, illustrating how everyday experiences and memories can evoke a sense of spirituality and contemplation.
The poem reflects on loss and the small consolations found in music, memories, and routine, portraying a complex emotional landscape.
Imagery and Language
Duffy uses vivid imagery, such as "the sieve of her hands" and "the minims sung by a tree," to create poignant, sensory experiences.
References to piano scales, the Latin chanting of a train, and the radio's shipping forecast create a soundscape that ties into the theme of prayer.
Modern Elements
The poem is grounded in modern life, with references to mundane yet meaningful details like the radio's shipping forecast and a Midlands town.
The sonnet explores complex emotional states by mixing feelings of doubt with moments of sudden spiritual understanding.
Volta
The volta in "Prayer" is subtle and may be seen around line 9, where the focus shifts from general reflections on prayer and faith to specific, intimate images that ground the abstract themes in everyday life.
In works like Duffy's "Prayer," Modern sonnets showcase the versatility of the sonnet form, illustrating how today's poets can inject traditional structures with fresh themes, language, and stylistic twists.
This adaptability ensures that the modern sonnet remains dynamic and meaningful in contemporary poetry.
6. Terza rima sonnet
The terza rima sonnet is a variation of the traditional sonnet form that employs the interlocking rhyme scheme of terza rima, a structure invented by the Italian poet Dante Alighieri for his epic poem "The Divine Comedy."
This form has been adapted into the sonnet structure by poets who appreciate its intricate rhyme scheme and the challenge it presents.
The Terza Rima sonnet combines the elegance of the sonnet with the flowing progression of terza rima, creating a unique and compelling poetic form.
Definition
A Terza Rima sonnet is a 14-line poem that follows the terza rima rhyme scheme (ABA BCB CDC DED EE).
This form is characterized by its interlocking three-line stanzas (tercets) that drive the poem forward through their connected rhymes, concluding with a rhymed couplet.
The Terza Rima sonnet typically maintains the traditional sonnet’s iambic pentameter, but the rhyme scheme gives it a distinct rhythmic and lyrical quality.
Form and Structure
The Terza Rima sonnet consists of 14 lines structured into four tercets followed by a final rhymed couplet.
Here’s a breakdown of its form:
- Four Tercets (ABA BCB CDC DED)
The three-line stanzas are interlinked by their rhymes, creating a continuous flow of sound and sense.
- Rhymed Couplet (EE)
The poem concludes with a two-line stanza that provides resolution or commentary.
Example and Analysis
Example: "Ode to the West Wind" by Percy Bysshe Shelley
- First Tercet (Lines 1-3)
The poem starts with a call to the West Wind, seen as the Autumn breeze that sweeps away dead leaves.
The image of leaves running away like ghosts paints a clear picture of the wind's strength.
- Second Tercet (Lines 4-6)
The speaker talks about the leaves in detail, pointing out their decaying colors and comparing them to a group suffering from illness.
They describe the wind as a guiding power that directs the leaves to their winter rest.
- Third Tercet (Lines 7-9)
The wind doesn't just move the leaves; it also carries seeds to where they'll stay dormant, like bodies, until spring comes. This part introduces the idea of new life and growth.
- Fourth Tercet (Lines 10-12)
Spring is described as a strong call that wakes up the earth, bringing life and color back.
The image of buds bursting forth like flocks of birds strengthens the theme of renewal.
- Final Couplet (Lines 13-14)
The poem concludes by addressing the wind as a powerful spirit that both destroys and preserves, calling on it to hear the speaker's plea.
This couplet encapsulates the dual nature of the wind and the speaker's awe.
Themes
The West Wind is depicted as a powerful and transformative force in nature, capable of destruction and renewal.
The poem explores the natural cycle of decay and rebirth, symbolized by the autumn leaves and spring buds.
The speaker invokes the wind, reflecting on its influence and seeking its attention.
Volta
The volta in this Terza Rima sonnet occurs subtly, with the transition between describing the wind’s effects on autumn leaves and seeds (stanzas 1-3) to its role in spring’s rebirth (stanza 4), and finally the philosophical reflection in the concluding couplet.
The Terza Rima sonnet’s structure, with its interlocking rhyme scheme, creates a sense of continuity and flow, enhancing the thematic depth and lyrical quality of the poem.
This form challenges the poet to maintain coherence and fluidity while navigating complex rhyme patterns.
7. Curtal sonnet
The curtal sonnet, also known as the "Petrarchan sonnet of twelve lines" or the "sonnet royal," is a variant of the traditional sonnet form that was popularized by the English poet Gerard Manley Hopkins.
Hopkins introduced this variation in the late 19th century, deviating from the conventional 14-line structure to create a more compact and condensed poetic form.
The Curtal sonnet retains the lyrical qualities of the traditional sonnet while offering poets a shorter and more focused framework for their expression.
Definition
A Curtal sonnet is a 12-line poem that follows a specific rhyme scheme and often incorporates elements of the Petrarchan or Shakespearean sonnet forms.
This shorter sonnet variant consists of three quatrains (four-line stanzas) followed by a concluding couplet.
The rhyme scheme of the Curtal sonnet may vary, but it typically follows a pattern that allows for the interplay of rhyme and rhythm within the compact structure.
Form and Structure
The Curtal sonnet consists of 12 lines structured into three quatrains followed by a concluding couplet.
Here’s a breakdown of its form:
- Three Quatrains (ABAB CDCD EFEF)
The three four-line stanzas introduce and develop the poem's themes, often presenting a progression of ideas or emotions.
- Concluding Couplet (GG)
The final two lines provide a resolution, reflection, or commentary on the preceding quatrains, offering a sense of closure to the poem.
While the Curtal sonnet is shorter than traditional sonnet forms, it still typically maintains the iambic pentameter meter, with each line containing ten syllables following an unstressed-stressed pattern (da-DUM da-DUM da-DUM da-DUM da-DUM).
Example and Analysis
Example: "Pied Beauty" by Gerard Manley Hopkins
- First Quatrain (Lines 1-4)
The speaker admires God for making so many different and beautiful things, like the colorful sky, the spots on animals, and the bright colors in nature.
- Second Quatrain (Lines 5-8)
The poem goes on to praise the small details of nature, like different kinds of landscapes and the tools people use for work.
- Third Quatrain (Lines 9-12)
The speaker recognizes the contradictions and differences in the natural world, praising God for creating everything, whether it's predictable or unpredictable, constant or always changing.
- Concluding Couplet (Lines 13-14)
The poem concludes with a simple yet profound declaration of praise to God, emphasizing His role as the source of all beauty and diversity in the world.
Themes
The poem celebrates the beauty found in the diverse and varied aspects of nature, from the colors of the sky to the patterns on animals.
The speaker praises God as the creator of all things, acknowledging His role in bringing forth the beauty and richness of the natural world.
The poem highlights the paradoxes and contrasts inherent in nature, praising God for His ability to create both predictable and unpredictable elements.
Volta
In "Pied Beauty," the volta occurs subtly between the third quatrain and the concluding couplet, where the speaker transitions from describing the beauty of nature to offering a direct expression of praise and gratitude to God.
In general, the Curtal sonnet's condensed form lets poets like Hopkins pack their ideas and imagery into a shorter, more concentrated structure, all while keeping the depth and emotion of a traditional sonnet.
This form pushes poets to express themselves with exactness and efficiency, leading to poems that are both brief and impactful.
Related Articles
- 3 ways to write a sonnet poem
- How to write a sonnet?
- Top 10 Sonnet Examples Explained With Structure
Wrapping Up
Learning about different types of sonnets gives poets lots of ways to express themselves.
Whether it's the classic Petrarchan or Shakespearean styles, or newer ones like Spenserian and Terza Rima, each offers its own way to tell a story.
By trying out these different forms, poets can get better at writing, explore important ideas, and have fun being creative.
Why not challenge yourself to create a sonnet today? Pick a form that intrigues you, choose a theme close to your heart, and start crafting your 14 lines.
Remember, practice makes perfect, so don't be discouraged if your first attempt isn't a masterpiece.
The joy is in the process of creating and expressing yourself through this timeless poetic form.
FAQ’s
1. What are the two major types of sonnets?
The two major types of sonnets are the Petrarchan (Italian) sonnet and the Shakespearean (English) sonnet.
2. What are the 14 lines of a sonnet called?
The 14 lines of a sonnet are called the "sonnet's lines" or simply "lines."
3. What is the most common form of sonnet?
The most common form of sonnet is the Shakespearean (English) sonnet, which follows the rhyme scheme ABABCDCDEFEFGG.
4. What are the 3 common topics of sonnets?
Three common topics of sonnets are love, nature, and mortality.
5. What is a 12 line poem called?
A 12 line poem is called a ‘Curtal sonnet’.
