Sonnet Rhyme Scheme Flashcards

Sonnet Types and Definitions

• Petrarchan Sonnet: An Italian sonnet format, composed of 14 lines with the rhyme scheme ABBA ABBA CD CD CDE CDE; does not conclude with a couplet.
• Spenserian Sonnet: Characterized by three quatrains followed by a couplet, using iambic pentameter; its rhyme pattern is ABAB BCBC CDCD EE.
• Shakespearean Sonnet: Comprises three quatrains and a final couplet, maintaining iambic pentameter; follows the rhyme scheme ABAB CDCD EFEF GG.

General Characteristics

• Sonnet: A lyric poem that typically contains 14 lines written in iambic pentameter; adheres to a specific rhyme scheme depending on its type.

Poetic Devices

• Enjambment: A poetic technique where a line runs over into the next without punctuation or pause; encourages the reader to continue seamlessly to the next line.