The sonnet, a compact and powerful poetic form, has captivated readers and writers for centuries. Derived from the Italian word sonetto, meaning “little song,” this 14-line structure, typically written in iambic pentameter, offers a unique canvas for exploring complex emotions and ideas. From the structured elegance of Petrarch and Shakespeare to the innovative variations of modern poets, the Best Sonnets transcend their formal constraints, resonating with a depth that belies their brevity. This exploration will delve into the defining characteristics of sonnets, examining both traditional forms and contemporary interpretations, ultimately uncovering what elevates a sonnet from technically proficient to truly unforgettable.
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Traditional Structures: Petrarchan and Shakespearean Sonnets
The sonnet’s history is rich with evolution, marked by two prominent forms: the Petrarchan and Shakespearean. The Petrarchan, or Italian, sonnet, consists of an octave (eight lines) rhyming ABBAABBA, followed by a sestet (six lines) with varying rhyme schemes like CDECDE or CDCDCD. The octave typically presents a problem or proposition, while the sestet offers a resolution or reflection, marked by a volta, or turn.
Shakespeare’s adaptation, the English or Shakespearean sonnet, features three quatrains (four-line stanzas) rhyming ABAB CDCD EFEF, culminating in a rhyming couplet, GG. This structure allows for a more gradual development of thought, with the couplet often providing a pointed summary or a surprising twist.
Both forms, while distinct, share the common thread of the volta, a pivotal moment that shifts the poem’s direction. This turn, whether subtle or dramatic, adds depth and complexity to the sonnet’s narrative.
Examples of Enduring Love Sonnets
Shakespeare’s “My Mistress’ Eyes are Nothing like the Sun” subverts conventional love poetry, praising unconventional beauty. Its final couplet, a quintessential example of the Shakespearean volta, affirms the speaker’s love despite the preceding litany of unflattering comparisons.
Edna St. Vincent Millay’s “What lips my lips have kissed, and where, and why” exemplifies the Petrarchan form, exploring the bittersweet ache of forgotten love. The volta, marked by the word “Thus,” introduces a poignant metaphor of a winter tree, symbolizing the speaker’s emotional state.
Modern Variations: Breaking the Mold
Contemporary poets often embrace the sonnet’s framework while experimenting with its rules, demonstrating the form’s enduring adaptability. Gerard Manley Hopkins’s “Carrion Comfort” stretches the boundaries of meter with his sprung rhythm, conveying intense spiritual struggle through its long, tumultuous lines.
Dawn Lundy Martin’s “[When the bed is empty…]” employs slant rhyme and variable line lengths, creating a more fluid and conversational tone. The final couplet, though loosely rhymed, provides a sense of closure to the poem’s reflections.
These variations highlight the sonnet’s resilience and its ability to accommodate diverse voices and styles.
Expanding the Canvas: Sonnet Sequences and Crowns
For poets seeking a broader scope, sonnet sequences offer an extended narrative platform. George Meredith’s “Modern Love,” a sequence of 50 sixteen-line sonnets, chronicles the complexities of a failing marriage.
The sonnet crown, a particularly intricate sequence, links sonnets by repeating the last line of one as the first line of the next, culminating in the final sonnet ending with the first sonnet’s opening line. Paul Muldoon’s “The Old Country” masterfully employs this form, weaving a tapestry of Irish memory through intricate rhyme and evocative imagery.
The Essence of the Best Sonnets
The best sonnets, regardless of form or era, share a core strength: the ability to transcend technical skill and resonate emotionally. They capture a moment, a feeling, or an idea with precision and intensity, leaving a lasting impression on the reader. The sonnet’s compact structure demands careful word choice and a keen awareness of form, but the true magic lies in the poet’s ability to imbue these constraints with genuine emotion and insightful observation. Whether adhering to strict tradition or forging new paths, the best sonnets are those that sing to us, not just as “little songs,” but as profound expressions of the human experience.