How do you define a sonnet? How many types of sonnets are usually found in literature? [British Poetry (2018-19) Assignment 1]

A sonnet is a type of poem that traditionally consists of 14 lines and follows a specific rhyme scheme and structure. The sonnet originated in Italy in the 13th century and has been popular in English literature since the 16th century.

The traditional structure of a sonnet typically includes:

A rhyme scheme: A sonnet usually has a specific pattern of end rhymes. The most common rhyme scheme for English sonnets is ABAB CDCD EFEF GG, where the letters represent the rhyming words in each line.

A metrical pattern: A sonnet typically follows a specific metrical pattern, such as iambic pentameter, which consists of five pairs of unstressed and stressed syllables in each line.

A volta: A volta, or turn, is a shift in the poem's tone or subject matter that typically occurs after the eighth line in a sonnet.

There are several different types of sonnets, but the two most common types are the Petrarchan (or Italian) sonnet and the Shakespearean (or English) sonnet.

Petrarchan sonnet: This type of sonnet is named after the Italian poet Petrarch, who popularized the form in the 14th century. A Petrarchan sonnet typically consists of an eight-line stanza (called an octave) followed by a six-line stanza (called a sestet). The rhyme scheme for a Petrarchan sonnet is typically ABBAABBA for the octave, followed by a variety of rhyme schemes for the sestet.

Shakespearean sonnet: This type of sonnet is named after the English playwright William Shakespeare, who used the form extensively in his plays and poetry. A Shakespearean sonnet consists of three quatrains (four-line stanzas) followed by a final couplet. The rhyme scheme for a Shakespearean sonnet is typically ABAB CDCD EFEF GG.

In addition to these two main types, there are also other types of sonnets that have been developed by poets over time, such as the Spenserian sonnet, the Miltonic sonnet, and the sonnet crown.