petrarchan sonnet: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Academic, Literary
Quick answer
What does “petrarchan sonnet” mean?
A 14-line sonnet divided into an octave (eight lines) and a sestet (six lines), following a strict rhyme scheme and thematic structure, attributed to the Italian poet Petrarch.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A 14-line sonnet divided into an octave (eight lines) and a sestet (six lines), following a strict rhyme scheme and thematic structure, attributed to the Italian poet Petrarch.
In literary studies, the term refers specifically to the Italian sonnet form (also called Italian sonnet) popularized by Petrarch, characterized by a thematic division: the octave typically presents a problem, situation, or emotional state, while the sestet offers a resolution, commentary, or shift in perspective. It is a foundational poetic form in English literature, adapted by poets like Milton, Wordsworth, and Rossetti.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in definition or usage. Both use the term identically in academic and literary contexts. 'Italian sonnet' is an equally common synonym in both varieties.
Connotations
Identical connotations of historical literary tradition, formal structure, and European (specifically Italian Renaissance) origin.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency and specialized in both varieties, confined to literary/academic discourse.
Grammar
How to Use “petrarchan sonnet” in a Sentence
[Subject] writes/analyses/composes a Petrarchan sonnet.The Petrarchan sonnet [verb: features/consists of/divides into] an octave and a sestet.In the Petrarchan sonnet, [clause].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “petrarchan sonnet” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- She preferred the Petrarchan model for her sequence of love poems.
- His verse showed a distinctly Petrarchan influence.
American English
- The poem uses a Petrarchan structure with an ABBA octave.
- Her style was more Petrarchan than Shakespearean.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Common in literary studies, poetry workshops, and English literature courses. E.g., 'The essay compares the use of the Petrarchan sonnet in Romantic and Victorian poetry.'
Everyday
Extremely rare. Only used in highly educated conversation about poetry.
Technical
Standard term in prosody and poetic form analysis. E.g., 'The volta occurs between the octave and the sestet in a Petrarchan sonnet.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “petrarchan sonnet”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “petrarchan sonnet”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “petrarchan sonnet”
- Misspelling as 'Petrarchian' or 'Petrarchic sonnet'.
- Confusing the octave/sestet structure with the Shakespearean sonnet's quatrain/couplet structure.
- Using the term to refer to any 14-line poem, regardless of its rhyme scheme or structure.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The form was perfected by the Italian poet Francesco Petrarca (Petrarch) in the 14th century, though it existed in earlier Italian poetry.
The octave typically follows ABBA ABBA. The sestet has more variation, often CDE CDE or CDCDCD.
The 'volta' (Italian for 'turn') is a shift in thought or argument. In a Petrarchan sonnet, it usually occurs between the octave and the sestet.
Yes, the terms are synonyms in literary studies. 'Italian sonnet' is a more generic, descriptive term, while 'Petrarchan sonnet' acknowledges the poet most associated with its perfection.
A 14-line sonnet divided into an octave (eight lines) and a sestet (six lines), following a strict rhyme scheme and thematic structure, attributed to the Italian poet Petrarch.
Petrarchan sonnet is usually formal, academic, literary in register.
Petrarchan sonnet: in British English it is pronounced /pɪˌtrɑːkən ˈsɒnɪt/, and in American English it is pronounced /pəˈtrɑːrkən ˈsɑːnɪt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine PETER (Petr-) ARCHING (arch) his back over a SONnet NET (sonnet) divided into 8 and 6 parts.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE SONNET IS A STRUCTURED ARGUMENT (the octave states the case, the sestet rebuts or resolves). THE SONNET IS A CONTAINER (holding a specific thematic and emotional progression).
Practice
Quiz
What is the typical thematic function of the sestet in a Petrarchan sonnet?