English Sonnet vs. Petrarchan Sonnet

Attribute	English Sonnet	Petrarchan Sonnet
Number of lines	14	14
Rhyme scheme	ABAB CDCD EFEF GG	ABBA ABBA CDECDE
Structure	3 quatrains followed by a couplet	An octave followed by a sestet
Origin	Developed in England	Developed in Italy
Subject matter	Varied, often explores themes of love, nature, and mortality	Often focuses on unrequited love and idealized beauty

Structure

English Sonnets, also known as Shakespearean Sonnets, are typically composed of 14 lines divided into three quatrains followed by a rhyming couplet. The rhyme scheme is usually ABAB CDCD EFEF GG. On the other hand, Petrarchan Sonnets, also known as Italian Sonnets, consist of an octave (eight lines) followed by a sestet (six lines). The rhyme scheme for a Petrarchan Sonnet is typically ABBAABBA CDCDCD or ABBAABBA CDECDE.

Volta

In English Sonnets, the volta, or the turn in the poem, often occurs in the final rhyming couplet. This is where the poet presents a resolution or a twist in the argument or theme of the sonnet. In contrast, Petrarchan Sonnets have a volta that typically occurs between the octave and the sestet. This shift in thought or emotion is crucial in Petrarchan Sonnets as it marks a change in the poem's direction.

Themes

English Sonnets often explore themes of love, time, beauty, and mortality. Shakespeare, one of the most famous writers of English Sonnets, used this form to express his thoughts and emotions on these universal themes. On the other hand, Petrarchan Sonnets are known for their focus on unrequited love, idealized beauty, and the poet's inner conflict. The Petrarchan tradition often involves the poet expressing their feelings towards an unattainable love interest.

Tone

The tone of English Sonnets can vary from playful and witty to melancholic and contemplative. Shakespeare, for example, used the form to explore a wide range of emotions and ideas. In contrast, Petrarchan Sonnets are often characterized by a more serious and introspective tone. The poet in a Petrarchan Sonnet tends to delve deep into their emotions and thoughts, often grappling with complex feelings of love and desire.

Language

English Sonnets are written in iambic pentameter, a metrical pattern consisting of five feet per line with each foot containing an unstressed syllable followed by a stressed syllable. This rhythmic pattern gives English Sonnets a musical quality when read aloud. Petrarchan Sonnets, on the other hand, also follow the iambic pentameter pattern but are written in Italian, which may affect the flow and sound of the poem when translated into English.

Conclusion

Both English Sonnets and Petrarchan Sonnets have their own unique attributes that set them apart from each other. While English Sonnets are known for their structured form and rhyme scheme, Petrarchan Sonnets are distinguished by their volta placement and thematic focus. Whether it's the playful wit of Shakespearean Sonnets or the introspective tone of Petrarchan Sonnets, both forms offer poets a rich tradition to explore and express their thoughts and emotions.