Origin of Sonnet in English Literature
Sonnets, derived from the Italian word ‘sonetto’, were originally a type of lyrical poetry written in Italy during the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries. The poet Petrarch popularized the form of the sonnet, which is structured as fourteen lines in iambic pentameter with a set rhyme scheme. This particular form of the sonnet was then adopted by English poets such as William Shakespeare and the Earl of Surrey in the sixteenth century who further adapted the sonnet to their tastes and culture.
The use of sonnets has only grown further since, with poets such as Shelley, Wordsworth, and Keats, to name a few, writing their own unique sonnets. Sonnets remain an extremely popular form of poetry in the English literary canon, with exceptional works coming from greats such as Elizabeth Barrett Browning, Robert Frost and Sylvia Plath.
Classification of Sonnets
Sonnets can be classified as either English, or Shakespearian, with the latter being the more popular classification. English sonnets have three four-line stanzas, a two-line stanza, and a concluding couplet. They traditionally have a heroic rhyme scheme of ABAB CDCD EFEF GG, with the exceptions of some modern examples. Similarly, Shakespearian sonnets have three quatrains (4-line stanzas) and a concluding couplet, but differ in that they have an abab cdcd efef gg rhyme scheme.
Because sonnets usually have a set structure, it can be difficult to classify them, as they can sometimes overlap between English and Shakespearian sonnets. These days, there are many variations of the traditional English and Shakespearian sonnets in existence, and these are known as hybrid sonnets.
Forms of Sonnet
Sonnets can also be divided into two distinct forms- petrarchan and elizabethan. Petrarchan sonnets are attributed to the poet Petrarch, who was the first to use this particular form. These sonnets usually have an octave (made of eight lines) that rhymes abbaabba, followed by a sestet (made of six lines) which rhymes cdecde or cdcdcd.
In most cases, the subjects of the octave and the sestet are unrelated, with the octave introducing a theme or idea and the sestet providing a response or resolution. Elizabethan sonnets, on the other hand, tend to be more unified in their structure, having three quatrains (made of four lines) followed by a heroic couplet (made of two lines). In these types of sonnets, the theme is often developed over the course of the poem.
Themes of Sonnet
The themes found in sonnets can be quite diverse and range from love to nature, to religious faith and hope. Sonnets tend to be serious in tone, as the form allows for a very intimate and focused exploration of any given subject, reflecting the poet’s innermost thoughts and feelings.
Sometimes, writers will use sonnets to express their frustrations, such as William Wordsworth’s famous sonnet ‘The World is Too Much with Us’, which poignantly laments the changing status of nature and humanity’s complacency towards it. Similarly, John Keats’s poem ‘Bright Star’, which is in the form of a sonnet, reflects his sadness and heartbreak at the thought of being parted with his beloved.
Other writers will use sonnets to celebrate love and life, such as Robert Frost’s poem ‘The Silken Tent’ or Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s ‘How Do I Love Thee?’ Both of these works are celebrated examples of the form, demonstrating the power and beauty of the sonnet as a poetic device.
Modern Use of Sonnet
Sonnets continue to be a popular form of poetry for both traditional and contemporary authors. Sylvia Plath’s ‘Lady Lazarus’, which is written in the form of an Elizabethan sonnet, is an excellent example of the power of the sonnet, as she uses it to explore death, suffering and the human condition. William Butler Yeats is also renowned for his sonnets, most notably ‘When You Are Old’, and ‘The Second Coming’, which blend themes of love, death, and eternity.
Additionally, modern authors such as Billy Collins, Sharon Olds, and David Lehman have made a name for themselves writing sonnets that are contemporary and accessible, often examining modern issues and emotions in clever and interesting ways.
Benefits of Sonnet
Sonnets are not just for serious and complex topics, as they can also be used to great effect for humorous topics as well. The brevity, structure and focussed nature of the sonnet lend themselves to being used as a powerful tool for conveying comedic ideas quickly and effectively.
The beauty of the sonnet is its flexibility, allowing writers to express whatever they want, however they want. The structure of the sonnet can serve to focus the writer’s ideas and ensure that, whatever the topic or emotion, all fourteen lines are put to the best use possible.
The ability to condense one’s ideas into such a small and elegant form is a testament to the genius of the sonnet, and why it has been employed and revered by poets and writers alike for centuries.
Implications of Sonnet in Current Literature
Sonnets can be used for more than just expressing one’s thoughts and feelings; they can also be used as a tool to make a statement about the current political and social landscape that writers and readers find themselves in. For instance, today’s sonneteers are tackling issues such as the refugee crisis, climate change and the rise of populism.
In this way, the sonnet serves to make these issues more visible and relatable to the everyday person, thus helping to generate discussion and enact change.
With regard to literature, sonnets remain popular, as the form allows for creative expression as well as the opportunity to challenge preconceptions and assumptions. The greats of the past, such as Shakespeare, Petrarch and Wordsworth, are still remembered and revered to this day, and will continue to inspire aspiring authors to use the sonnet to create powerful and emotive works of art.
The Digitalization of Sonnet
The digital age has also seen a shift in how we experience and consume the sonnet. Online platforms such as Instagram and Twitter are filled with examples of sonnets written by aspiring poets, giving the sonnet renewed life and utility in these new mediums. However, this digitalization of the sonnet raises questions about how this alters the essence of the form and its traditional values, though there is sure to be many interesting developments in the future.
The Impact of Sonnet on Education
Due to its well-defined structure, the sonnet is also taught in classrooms around the world, as it is an ideal form to teach aspiring writers the basics of poetic structure and rhythm. The form teaches students how to employ the power of the written word to communicate their message- be that love, grief, grief, joy or despair- to a wide audience. Additionally, the sonnet is an excellent starting point for young writers looking to experiment with poetic conventions, as the form can easily be adapted to different styles and contexts.
The sonnets of established writers can also be used as examples of superb literary art, allowing students to explore the language and forms of a time gone by, whilst also giving them the tools to write their own original work.
Sonnet at the Literary Canon
The sonnet is a timeless form of poetry that continues to captivate writers and readers alike, as it offers an intimate portrayal of the human experience. It is a versatile form that can be adapted to any number of purposes, and, despite its age, remains relevant to the times. Its impact can also be felt beyond poetry, being used as a structural template in literature, music and even television, proving that the sonnet is a vital and beloved part of our literary tradition.
