Sonnet definition: a 14 line poem with a “twist,” or volta, occurring in the middle. The volta is essential to the poem, because it reverses or complicates the narrative of the first half of the poem. Before we delve into what makes each form distinct, let’s analyze what they have in common.Ī sonnet is, in brief, a 14 line poem with a “twist,” or volta, occurring in the middle. There are many different forms of the sonnet throughout history, including the Elizabethan, Spenserian, and Petrarchan sonnet, among others.
This article discusses the different popular forms of sonnet poems, with examples and analysis.įrom the Italian sonnet to the contemporary, let’s explore the long and beautiful history of sonnet poetry, ending with advice for how to write a sonnet yourself. What is a sonnet? From the Italian for “little song,” a sonnet is a poem whose forms and restrictions have evolved with contemporary poetry. Poets interested in short-form work can gain a lot from learning how to write a sonnet. These 14-line poems use restrictions of length and rhythm to deliver lyrical, captivating musings on themes like love and death. The sonnet is a poetry form that poets have wielded for centuries-from Petrarch and Shakespeare to Marilyn Nelson and Terrance Hayes.
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