English Sonnet vs. Italian Sonnet — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Published on December 26, 2023
English Sonnet include 14 lines, ABABCDCDEFEFG rhyme. Italian Sonnet include 14 lines, ABBAABBACDCDCD rhyme.
Difference Between English Sonnet and Italian Sonnet
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
The English Sonnet and the Italian Sonnet are both classic forms of poetry, distinguished primarily by their distinct rhyme schemes. The English Sonnet, often termed the Shakespearean sonnet, follows a rhyme scheme of ABABCDCDEFEFG. On the other hand, the Italian Sonnet, also known as the Petrarchan sonnet, utilizes the rhyme pattern ABBAABBACDCDCD.
Origin plays a significant role in their names. The English Sonnet, as the name suggests, became popular in England, with William Shakespeare as its most notable practitioner. The Italian Sonnet traces its roots back to Italy, where poets like Petrarch championed this form.
In terms of structure, the English Sonnet is typically divided into three quatrains and a final couplet. This allows for a turn or a shift in the theme or tone in the concluding couplet. Conversely, the Italian Sonnet is divided into an octave (first eight lines) and a sestet (final six lines). The octave often presents a problem or situation, while the sestet offers a resolution or commentary.
When examining thematic content, English Sonnets, especially those by Shakespeare, often explore themes of love, beauty, time, and mortality. Italian Sonnets, in Petrarch's tradition, frequently delve into the unattainable love and its many facets.
While both the English Sonnet and the Italian Sonnet have made significant contributions to the world of poetry, they each offer unique structural and thematic elements that distinguish them from one another.
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Comparison Chart
Rhyme Scheme
ABABCDCDEFEFG
ABBAABBACDCDCD
Sections
3 Quatrains + Couplet
Octave + Sestet
Origin
England
Italy
Notable Practitioners
William Shakespeare
Petrarch
Common Themes
Love, Time, Beauty
Unattainable Love
Compare with Definitions
English Sonnet
A poem split into three quatrains and a final couplet.
The turn in the English Sonnet is frequently observed in the final couplet.
Italian Sonnet
A poetic form that often centers on themes of love, especially unattainable love.
In the Italian Sonnet, the poet laments the distance between him and his beloved.
English Sonnet
A structured poem with 14 lines, each written in iambic pentameter.
Her English Sonnet flowed seamlessly, each line harmoniously following the next.
Italian Sonnet
Originated in Italy, often associated with the poet Petrarch.
The Italian Sonnet became a popular form for expressing unrequited love.
English Sonnet
A 14-line poem with the rhyme scheme ABABCDCDEFEFG.
In his English Sonnet, Shakespeare wrote about the ravages of time.
Italian Sonnet
A poem where the first eight lines present a problem, and the last six offer a resolution.
The beauty of an Italian Sonnet lies in its contrasting octave and sestet.
English Sonnet
A verse form popularized in England, often associated with Shakespeare.
The English Sonnet often delves into themes of beauty and love.
Italian Sonnet
A 14-line poem divided into an octave and a sestet, with the rhyme ABBAABBACDCDCD.
Petrarch's Italian Sonnet about his beloved Laura is a classic example.
English Sonnet
A poetic form that often explores love, beauty, and mortality.
The English Sonnet captures the fleeting nature of beauty.
Italian Sonnet
A structured verse with a specific rhyme pattern that sets it apart from other sonnet forms.
She chose the Italian Sonnet form to give her poem a traditional touch.
Common Curiosities
Which sonnet type often has a "turn" in its final lines?
The English Sonnet typically features a "turn" or shift in its concluding couplet.
Who is the most famous practitioner of the Italian Sonnet?
Petrarch is the most renowned practitioner of the Italian Sonnet.
Where did the English Sonnet originate?
The English Sonnet originated in England and is often associated with Shakespeare.
Are both the English Sonnet and Italian Sonnet written in iambic pentameter?
Yes, traditionally both forms are written in iambic pentameter.
What's the primary difference between an English Sonnet and an Italian Sonnet?
The primary difference is their rhyme schemes: English is ABABCDCDEFEFG, and Italian is ABBAABBACDCDCD.
Why is the Italian Sonnet also called the Petrarchan Sonnet?
It's named after Petrarch, a renowned Italian poet who frequently used this form.
How is the structure of the English Sonnet different from the Italian Sonnet?
The English Sonnet has three quatrains and a couplet, while the Italian Sonnet has an octave and a sestet.
Which part of the Italian Sonnet usually presents a problem or situation?
The octave, or the first eight lines, often presents a problem or situation.
How do the thematic elements differ between English Sonnets and Italian Sonnets?
English Sonnets often explore the themes of beauty, love, and time, while Italian Sonnets center on unattainable or idealized love.
In which part of the English Sonnet is a resolution or twist typically found?
The resolution or twist is usually found in the final couplet of an English Sonnet.
How do themes between English Sonnets and Italian Sonnets differ?
While both can explore love, English Sonnets often address love, beauty, time, and mortality, while Italian Sonnets frequently delve into unattainable love.
Who brought the English Sonnet to prominence?
William Shakespeare is credited with popularizing the English Sonnet.
Can both English Sonnets and Italian Sonnets be about topics other than love?
Yes, while love is a common theme, both forms can address a wide range of topics.
Which sonnet form is older, the English Sonnet or the Italian Sonnet?
The Italian Sonnet is older, having its origins in 13th-century Italy.
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Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
