The Journey of the English Sonnet: From Petrarch to Shakespeare

The Journey of the English Sonnet: From Petrarch to Shakespeare

English Literature

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The sonnet, a 14-line poem, has had a long and interesting journey in literature.

It first started in Italy and made its way to England, where poets like William Shakespeare transformed it into something special.

In this post, we will explore the history of the sonnet, from its beginnings with the Italian poet Petrarch to its development in England, particularly through Shakespeare’s work.

The Birth of the Sonnet: Petrarch’s Influence

The word sonnet comes from the Italian word sonetto, meaning “little song.” The sonnet as we know it today was created in Italy during the 13th century. The Italian poet Francesco Petrarca, or Petrarch, is credited with popularizing the form. His sonnets were deeply emotional and focused on themes like love, longing, and unrequited love. Petrarch wrote 366 sonnets, most of which were addressed to a woman named Laura. These sonnets became widely admired and inspired many poets across Europe.

Petrarch’s sonnets followed a strict rhyme scheme, known as the Petrarchan or Italian sonnet. This structure is divided into two parts:

  • The octave (the first eight lines): The rhyme scheme is ABBAABBA. The octave usually presents a problem or a situation.
  • The sestet (the last six lines): The rhyme scheme can vary, often CDCDCD or CDECDE. The sestet offers a resolution or response to the problem presented in the octave.

The Italian sonnet was known for its use of vivid imagery and emotional depth. Petrarch’s influence on European poets was immense, and his sonnets became a model for many poets who came after him.

The Sonnet Arrives in England

The sonnet eventually made its way to England in the late 16th century. English poets, inspired by Petrarch’s works, began writing sonnets in their own language. One of the earliest poets to experiment with the sonnet form in England was Sir Thomas Wyatt. Wyatt traveled to Italy and encountered the works of Petrarch, and upon returning to England, he started writing his own sonnets. However, Wyatt’s sonnets were not exact copies of Petrarch’s. He modified the structure slightly, making them more suited to the English language.

Wyatt’s most famous sonnet is “Whoso list to hunt,” which is a clear adaptation of Petrarch’s style. In his poems, Wyatt used a rhyme scheme similar to the Italian sonnet’s, but he also explored themes like courtly love and the frustrations of desire.

Another English poet, Henry Howard, Earl of Surrey, played an important role in the development of the English sonnet. Surrey is credited with creating the rhyme scheme we now associate with the English or Shakespearean sonnet. This version of the sonnet would become the most famous and widely used form in English poetry.

The English Sonnet: Shakespeare’s Contribution

The true transformation of the sonnet came with William Shakespeare, who was not only one of the greatest playwrights in history but also a master of the sonnet. Shakespeare’s sonnets, written in the late 16th and early 17th centuries, are considered some of the best examples of the English sonnet.

Shakespeare’s sonnets follow a different structure from the Petrarchan sonnet. The rhyme scheme of the English sonnet is ABABCDCDEFEFGG. The English sonnet is divided into three quatrains (four-line stanzas) followed by a final rhymed couplet (two lines). The three quatrains usually explore an idea or theme in different ways, and the couplet often provides a twist or conclusion to the poem.

One of the most famous examples of a Shakespearean sonnet is Sonnet 18, “Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day?” In this sonnet, Shakespeare writes about the beauty of the person he loves and compares it to a summer’s day, only to conclude that the person’s beauty is more eternal than that of a fleeting summer.

Shakespeare’s sonnets cover a wide range of themes, from love and beauty to time, aging, and mortality. His ability to capture deep emotions in just 14 lines is one of the reasons his sonnets are still admired today.

The Structure of the Shakespearean Sonnet

The Shakespearean sonnet has a clear and simple structure. It has three main parts:

  1. Three Quatrains (Four-line stanzas): The first three sections of the poem each have four lines. The poet explores different aspects of the poem’s theme in these stanzas.
  2. The Rhyming Couplets: The final two lines of the poem form a rhymed couplet. This couplet often provides a resolution or conclusion to the poem.

Each line in a Shakespearean sonnet follows a specific meter known as iambic pentameter. This means that each line has 10 syllables, with a pattern of unstressed and stressed syllables. This rhythmic structure adds a musical quality to the poem.

The Legacy of the Sonnet

The English sonnet, as popularized by poets like Shakespeare, has continued to be a beloved form of poetry for centuries. Many poets, both in England and around the world, have experimented with and written sonnets in their own languages.

In England, poets such as John Milton, Elizabeth Barrett Browning, and William Wordsworth all wrote sonnets. They each added their own style and voice to the form, but they also respected the traditions set by earlier poets like Shakespeare.

Today, sonnets continue to be an important part of poetry, and many modern poets still write in this traditional form. The sonnet allows for a deep exploration of emotions and ideas within a concise, structured format, making it a timeless and versatile form of poetry.

Why the Sonnet Endures

The sonnet endures because it offers poets a perfect balance between structure and freedom. The strict rhyme scheme and meter provide a framework within which poets can express their thoughts, while the 14-line limit forces them to be concise and focused. The sonnet’s ability to explore complex themes like love, beauty, time, and death in a short space makes it a powerful form of expression.

Furthermore, the sonnet has become a symbol of literary tradition. For centuries, poets have written sonnets as a way to demonstrate their skill and mastery of language. Whether it’s the emotional intensity of Petrarch’s sonnets, the English adaptations by Wyatt and Surrey, or the mastery of Shakespeare, the sonnet has always been a way for poets to communicate deeply with their readers.

Conclusion

The journey of the English sonnet, from Petrarch’s early Italian poems to Shakespeare’s brilliant adaptations, is a story of transformation and innovation. The sonnet has evolved over centuries, yet it has remained a powerful form for expressing emotions, exploring ideas, and telling stories. From its origins in Italy to its flourishing in England, the sonnet continues to inspire poets and readers alike, offering a timeless way to capture the human experience in just 14 lines.

The beauty of the sonnet lies in its simplicity, structure, and ability to convey profound meaning. It will no doubt continue to be an important part of the literary world for many years to come.

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