One of the biggest effects is the movement of the volta or poetic turn. These differences in structure allow for a significant gap in expression between the two.
So the problem or topic is introduced and elaborated on within a full octet, still leaving a full six lines with which to express a full-bodied answer to any questions brought up by the octet. While the total number of lines is the same, the lines are divided up in such a way as to create two different and unique structures.Īn English sonnet utilizes three quatrains (4-line stanzas) and one couplet (2-lines).Īs such, the poem’s topic or subject is usually examined from three different perspectives or approaches before the couplet neatly wraps up the poem with some sort of conclusive statement of feeling or intent.Īn Italian sonnet instead uses an octet (8-lines) and a sestet (6-lines). The structure is perhaps the biggest element that separates the two types of sonnets. How Do English Sonnets and Italian Sonnets Differ in Their Structure? Italian sonnets, as the name would suggest, were originally designed with the Italian language in mind in terms of rhyme and meter.Īs such, it should come as no surprise that most English speakers find that English sonnets tend to come more naturally. So despite English sonnets having received more notoriety than Italian sonnets in the modern era, it should be noted that the form is really more like a descendant of the preexisting Italian sonnet than a rival form. Italian sonnets actually emerged around the 11th century AD, predating English sonnets by several centuries. Italian sonnets are also referred to as “Petrarchan sonnets” to reference another famous writer, the Italian poet Petrarch. While William Shakespeare was definitely not the first poet to ever use the form, he has since become synonymous with the form due to having written dozens upon dozens of love poems with the form.Īs such, English sonnets are often also called “Shakespearean sonnets” in reference to Shakespeare’s deep obsession with and mastery of the form. How Do English Sonnets and Italian Sonnets Differ in Their Origin?Įnglish sonnets emerged around the early 1500s. Their overarching structure and rhyme scheme exist in stark contrast, and it’s impossible to mistake one for the other once you know what to look for. While both are 14 lines, that’s nearly all they share in common.
The two most common classifications of sonnets are English (or Shakespearian) sonnets and Italian (or Petrarchan) sonnets. They are among the most common and most well-loved of all traditional poetic forms. Generally speaking, Sonnets are 14-line formal poems traditionally written with very exacting standards for their rhyme and meter. Sometimes the ending sestet uses the “Sicilian sestet” or a CDC CDC rhyme scheme. Petrarchan sonnets use an ABBA ABBA CDE CDE.
Shakespearean sonnets use an ABAB CDCD EFEF GG rhyme scheme. The first 8 lines (octet) talks about the problem, while the last 6 lines (sestet) presents the solution The first two quatrains introduce the problem, the third quatrain presents the solution, while the last two lines (couplet) conclude the poem
The 14 lines are grouped into two parts, the octave (8 lines) and the sestet (6 lines). The 14 lines are grouped into three quatrains (4 lines) and a couplet (2 lines). Otherwise known as Shakespearean sonnets, this widely known sonnet form is an English version of the Italian sonnet.Īlso called Petrarchan sonnets, this popular sonnet form is essentially the origin of other sonnet forms. Keep reading! What Are the Differences Between English Sonnets and Italian Sonnets? If you want to learn all about the differences between English and Italian sonnets, then you’re in the right place. Italian and English sonnets differ in origin, structure, rhyme scheme, and meter. Sonnets are formal 14-line poems that are written with very exacting rhyme and meter standards.Įnglish (or Shakespearian) sonnets and Italian (or Petrarchan) sonnets are the most common classifications of sonnets. Here’s the difference between English sonnets and Italian sonnets: