What is petrarchan in a poem?

Petrarchan, or Petrarchan sonnet, refers to a specific form of sonnet popularized by the Italian poet Petrarch in the 14th century. It consists of 14 lines divided into an octave (8 lines) and a sestet (6 lines), with a specific rhyme scheme of ABBAABBA for the octave and either CDCDCD or CDECDE for the sestet. The Petrarchan sonnet typically explores themes of love, beauty, and nature.

Petrarchan Sonnet

A Petrarchan sonnet is a specific type of sonnet, developed by the Italian poet Petrarch (1304-1374). It consists of 14 lines and is typically divided into two parts:

Structure:

- Octave (8 lines): Presents a problem, conflict, or question.
- Sestet (6 lines): Offers a resolution, response, or turn of thought.

Rhyme Scheme:

- Octave: ABBA ABBA or ABBA ACAC
- Sestet: CDE CDE or CDECD

Volta (Turn):

The Volta occurs between the Octave and the Sestet and signals a shift in thought or perspective.

Example:

This famous Petrarchan Sonnet by Petrarch illustrates the structure and themes:

Sonnet 16

Octave:
If love for lady or for land were still
Strong in my breast, as once it used to be,
I should not stand so mute and tremble so
When I beheld again your lovely hill.
But now my courage and my strength have gone
And all the fire that burnt me burns no more;
Unstrung my lute, its chords all snapped in twain,
And all my songs are sung, the sweet notes flown.

Volta:
The mountains and the streams, the woods, the plains,
Bring back the memory of my ancient pain;
But now no more for me the days rejoice
When I was wont to find my solace there.
Now has my love grown weak and cold as ice,
And I recall it only as a dream.