Final answer:
To decipher the meaning of lines in a sonnet by du Bellay, one must analyze the structure, imagery, tone, and rhyme scheme, considering the volta for shifts in theme or mood.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question refers to understanding the meaning of certain lines in a sonnet by du Bellay. A sonnet typically consists of 14 lines divided into an octave and a sestet, with rhyme patterns such as A B B A-A B B A for the octave and variations for the sestet. To comprehend these lines, consider the transition (volta) between the stanzas and how the images and tone shift to convey complex meanings and evoke different emotional responses. Certain sonnets, specifically those classified as Shakespearian or Petrarchan, have distinct structures and volta placements. Moreover, understanding the use of rhyme, including full, half, and eye rhyme, is crucial in interpreting the sonic qualities and underlying themes in poetry. It's also useful to examine the relationship between the rhyme and the poem's content, which often reveals deeper insights.