How is a Shakespearean sonnet different from a Petrarchan sonnet? How far is 'Sonnet 29' an expression of the poet's love for his friend?

 

How is a Shakespearean sonnet different from a Petrarchan sonnet? How far is 'Sonnet 29' an expression of the poet's love for his friend?

1. Structure:

Shakespearean Sonnet: It consists of 14 lines divided into three quatrains (four-line stanzas) followed by a final rhymed couplet (two lines). The rhyme scheme is typically ABAB CDCD EFEF GG.

Petrarchan Sonnet: Also 14 lines, but divided into an octave (eight lines) and a sestet (six lines). The rhyme scheme is usually ABBAABBA for the octave, followed by various patterns for the sestet, such as CDECDE or CDCDCD.

2. Volta (Turn):

Shakespearean Sonnet: The volta often occurs at the beginning of the third quatrain (line 9), though it can also be at the final couplet.

Petrarchan Sonnet: The volta traditionally occurs between the octave and the sestet (after line 8).

3. Theme and Tone:

Shakespearean Sonnet: Often explores themes of time, beauty, love, and mortality. The final couplet frequently provides a resolution or a twist.

Petrarchan Sonnet: Typically focuses on unrequited love or idealized beauty. The octave presents a situation or problem, and the sestet offers a resolution or reflection.

"Sonnet 29," by William Shakespeare, explores themes of despair, envy, and the transformative power of love and friendship. The poem begins with the speaker expressing deep feelings of isolation and self-pity, as he laments his misfortunes and envies the success and happiness of others. However, this despair is dramatically reversed when the speaker remembers his beloved friend. The mere thought of this person brings a profound sense of joy and contentment, lifting the speaker out of his sorrow.

The shift in tone from the initial quatrains to the final couplet highlights the central role that the friend plays in the speaker's life. The friend's presence—or even just the thought of them—has the power to completely change the speaker's outlook on life. This suggests that the relationship is one of deep emotional significance. The final couplet, which emphasizes the value of this love over any material or social success, reinforces the idea that the friend's love is the speaker's most cherished possession.

Thus, "Sonnet 29" can be seen as an expression of the poet's profound love and gratitude for his friend. The emotional transformation the speaker undergoes, from despair to joy, underscores the depth of this love and the vital role it plays in the speaker's sense of self-worth and happiness.

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Differences Between a Shakespearean and a Petrarchan Sonnet

Structure:

- A **Shakespearean sonnet** has 14 lines divided into three quatrains (groups of four lines) and ends with a rhymed couplet (two lines). The rhyme scheme follows **ABAB CDCD EFEF GG**. This structure allows the poet to develop a theme over three sections and then conclude it with a punchy final couplet.

- A **Petrarchan sonnet**, also 14 lines long, is split into two parts: an octave (eight lines) and a sestet (six lines). The octave typically has a rhyme scheme of **ABBAABBA**, while the sestet can vary, often using patterns like **CDECDE** or **CDCDCD**. The two-part structure creates a clear division between the problem or situation presented in the octave and the response or resolution in the sestet.

**Volta (Turn):**

- In a **Shakespearean sonnet**, the volta, or turn in thought or argument, usually appears at the start of the third quatrain (around line 9) but sometimes is in the final couplet.

- In a **Petrarchan sonnet**, the volta occurs between the octave and the sestet, marking a shift in tone or perspective right after the eighth line.

**Theme and Tone:**

- **Shakespearean sonnets** often delve into themes like time, love, beauty, and mortality. The final couplet frequently offers a resolution or a surprising twist that gives new meaning to the quatrains that came before.

- **Petrarchan sonnets** traditionally focus on themes of unrequited love, beauty, and longing. The octave sets up a problem or emotional tension, and the sestet reflects on it, often offering some form of resolution or deeper understanding.

'Sonnet 29' as an Expression of the Poet's Love for His Friend

Shakespeare’s "Sonnet 29" begins with the speaker feeling deeply dejected. He laments his misfortune, feeling envious of others’ success and social standing. This sense of inadequacy and self-pity dominates the first part of the sonnet, painting a picture of someone who feels utterly alone and dissatisfied with life.

However, the tone of the poem shifts dramatically in the third quatrain when the speaker remembers his friend. Just thinking of this person brings an immediate change in mood—from despair to joy. The friend’s presence in the speaker’s mind acts like a powerful remedy, curing the sadness and restoring the speaker’s sense of worth. The final couplet emphasizes how this friendship brings such immense happiness that it outweighs any material wealth or social status. 

The transformation in the speaker’s emotions highlights the profound impact this friend has on his life. The depth of gratitude and affection expressed suggests that "Sonnet 29" is more than just an expression of friendship—it’s an expression of deep love. The poet values this bond so much that it can pull him out of his darkest moments, underscoring the significance of the relationship. 

In this way, "Sonnet 29" is a heartfelt declaration of the poet’s love and appreciation for his friend. The shift from despair to joy emphasizes how central this person is to the poet’s happiness and emotional well-being.