A Guide to Literary Genres - Sykalo Eugen 2023

Sonnet

Definition: Literary style refers to the distinctive manner in which an author employs language, narrative techniques, and literary devices to convey their ideas and create a unique aesthetic in their written work. A sonnet is a specific form of poetry that consists of 14 lines, typically written in iambic pentameter, and follows specific rhyme schemes. Sonnets are known for their compact structure and focus on themes of love, beauty, time, and human emotions.

Key Features of Sonnet:

1. 14-Line Structure: A sonnet consists of 14 lines, divided into stanzas or quatrains (groups of four lines) and a final couplet (two lines).

2. Iambic Pentameter: Sonnets are often written in iambic pentameter, a rhythmic pattern of five pairs of unstressed and stressed syllables per line.

3. Rhyme Scheme: Different types of sonnets have specific rhyme schemes. The most common are the Shakespearean (or English) sonnet (ABABCDCDEFEFGG) and the Petrarchan (or Italian) sonnet (ABBAABBACDCDCD or ABBAABBACDECDE).

4. Shift or Turn: Many sonnets feature a "volta" or "turn," a shift in tone, perspective, or argument that occurs between the octave and the sestet in a Petrarchan sonnet or before the final couplet in a Shakespearean sonnet.

5. Focused Themes: Sonnets often focus on themes of love, beauty, time, mortality, and human emotions. They provide a platform for expressing complex feelings in a concise manner.

6. Economy of Language: Due to their limited length, sonnets require poets to use language economically, conveying powerful ideas and emotions within a small space.

7. Expressive Imagery: Sonnets often employ vivid imagery, metaphors, and similes to create a sensory and emotional experience for the reader.

Representatives of Sonnet:

1. William Shakespeare (1564—1616): Shakespeare's sonnets, including "Sonnet 18" ("Shall I compare thee to a summer's day?") and "Sonnet 130" ("My mistress' eyes are nothing like the sun"), are among the most famous examples of the form.

2. Petrarch (1304—1374): The Italian poet Petrarch is credited with popularizing the sonnet form in the 14th century. His sonnets often expressed unrequited love for his muse, Laura.

3. Elizabeth Barrett Browning (1806—1861): Browning's "Sonnets from the Portuguese" is a collection of romantic sonnets dedicated to her husband, Robert Browning.

4. John Donne (1572—1631): Donne's "Holy Sonnets" explore themes of religion, death, and spirituality, often with striking metaphysical conceits.

5. Edna St. Vincent Millay (1892—1950): Millay's "Sonnet 43" ("What lips my lips have kissed, and where, and why") reflects on lost love and the passage of time.

6. "On His Blindness" by John Milton: This sonnet reflects on the poet's struggle with blindness and his sense of duty to God.

These representatives showcase the key features of sonnets, highlighting their structured form, focused themes, and expressive use of language. Sonnets continue to be a popular and enduring poetic form, allowing poets to convey deep emotions and philosophical reflections within a carefully crafted framework.