Question

Does italian sonnet differ from shakespearean sonnet

Answer 1

Yes! the italian sonnet, also referred to as the petrarchan sonnet, and the shakespearean sonnet have several differences, the biggest of which being rhyme scheme and structure.

italian sonnets have a rhyme scheme which follows ABBAABBA CDECDE. with this, you'll see that the rhymes are split into 8 and 6, respectively. the structure of an italian sonnet is an octave followed by a sestet; the octave usually usually gives you an issue or a thought, and the sestet usually works to resolve it.

shakespearean sonnets, however, have a rhyme scheme that probably looks a little more familiar: ABAB CDCD EFEF GG. the rhymes in these are usually easier to follow. they're are split off into three quatrains followed by a rhyming couplet that closes out the sonnet with a sense of finality. an easy example is the prologue to romeo and juliet. these sonnets usually have a problem unfolding within the quatrains, then the couplet at the end packs you with a brief resolution.