Final answer:
A Shakespearean sonnet is a 14-line poem with a specific rhyme scheme and structure that consists of three quatrains followed by a rhyming couplet. The volta, or turn in thought, usually occurs between the third quatrain and the couplet.
Step-by-step explanation:
A Shakespearean sonnet, a poetic form mastered by William Shakespeare, adheres to a rigid structure of 14 lines, typically composed of three quatrains and a concluding rhyming couplet. The rhyme scheme, abab cdcd efef gg, weaves a musical cadence throughout.
Within this structured framework, the volta, or pivotal turn in thought, customarily unfolds between the third quatrain and the couplet, bringing a transformative shift or resolution to the poem's theme. This deliberate arrangement allows Shakespearean sonnets to encapsulate profound emotions, philosophical musings, or poignant narratives within a harmonious and balanced poetic architecture, showcasing the Bard's unparalleled mastery of both form and content.