Final answer:
A sonnet is a poetic form with fourteen lines, typically written in iambic pentameter and following specific rhyme schemes like those found in Shakespearean, Petrarchan, and Spenserian sonnets. A sonnet's volta signifies a shift in thought, often occurring between the octave and sestet.
Step-by-step explanation:
A sonnet is a poetic form consisting of fourteen lines, traditionally written in iambic pentameter with a structured rhyme scheme. There are several types of sonnets, each with its pattern of rhyme and stanza structure. The Shakespearian sonnet, for example, is made up of an octave and a sestet, following the rhyme scheme ABAB CDCD EFEF GG. The turn, or volta, typically occurs between the octave and sestet, often marked by words like 'but' or 'yet.'
The Petrarchan sonnet is another notable form with an octave using the rhyme scheme ABBAABBA and a sestet that may vary in its rhyme pattern. Similarly, it contains a volta between the octave and sestet to signify a shift in thought. The Spenserian sonnet alters the Petrarchan structure slightly with a rhyme scheme of ABAB BCBC CDCD EE, intertwining the quatrains together. Regardless of the type, the essence of a sonnet lies in its capacity to present a cogent argument, describe a profound emotion, or depict a powerful image within its concise structure.
English sonnets, like those by Shakespeare, often conclude with a couplet, which is a pair of lines that share an end rhyme and serve to summarize or offer a twist to the poem's theme. Sonnets have a long tradition and are celebrated for their rigorous and elegant form that challenges poets to express their thoughts within a tight rhyming and metrical framework.