Sonnet: origin, definition, types

 Sonnet: in this article you will understand what is a Sonnet poetry, it's origin, definition, types & examples. This is especially made for B.A. English honours semester l students of BBMKU & VBU. You can read other similar article on our website.

Table of Contents 
1. Sonnet Origin
2. Sonnet Definition
3. Types of Sonnet

Ode Poetry Origin: 

The term sonnet originated from the Italian word 'sonneto' which means "a little song". Sonnet was originally originates in Italy in 1230 A.D. by the famous Italian poet Giacomo da Lentini. In 13th century, the Italian sonnet was most popular in Italy. And English sonnet was most popular in England in 16th century. Giacomo da Lentini is called the father of sonnet poetry. 

Sonnet Poetry Definition:

Sonnet is a love sweet song or poem of fourteen lines. It is written in iambic pentameter. Sonnet deals with the lover's sufferings and hopes. It originated in Italy and became popular in England in renaissance, when Sir Thomas Wyatt and Earl of Surrey translated and imitated the sonnet written by petrarch ( Petrarchan sonnet). From the 17th century onwards the sonnet was also used for other topics than love, for instance, for religious experience, reflection on art or even the war experience. The sonnet uses a single stanza of fourteen lines. Many poets wrote a series of sonnet linked by the same topic or theme. 

Types of Sonnet Poetry: 

There are mainly three types of sonnet named Petrarchan sonnet, English sonnet and Spenserian sonnet. All these three types of sonnet are defined below: 

(1) Petrarchan sonnet:
This form of sonnet is the original and the oldest form of sonnet. It is named after the Italian poet Francisco Petrarch. It is also known as Italian sonnet. It was originated in Italy in 13th century by the Italian poet Giacomo the Lentini. Petrarchan sonnet is devided into two sections known as octave and sestet. The octave section has two quatrain, rhyming ABBA ABBA; the first quatrain develops it. The other section, Sestet deals with the CDE CDE rhyming scheme. 

(2) English sonnet:
It is also known as Shakespearean sonnet. It is named after William Shakespeare. It has the simplest and flexible rhyme pattern of all the sonnets. It is composed in fourteen lines consisting three quatrains and a couplet. It has rhyme scheme- ABAB CDCD EFEF GG.

(3) Spenserian sonnet:
Spenserian sonnet is named after Edmund Spenser. It was introduced by him. Spenserian sonnet consists three quatrains and a couplet. It has interlocking rhyme scheme- ABAB BCBC CDCD EE. 

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