In poetry, a sonnet shift, traditionally known as a volta, refers to a pivotal change in the poem‘s theme, tone, or perspective. This shift plays a crucial role in enhancing the depth and emotional impact of the sonnet.
Understanding the Volta
The term “volta” is Italian for “turn.” In the context of a sonnet, it signifies a rhetorical shift or dramatic change in thought and emotion. This transition is a defining feature of the sonnet form, guiding the reader through the poet‘s evolving ideas or sentiments.
Placement of the Volta in Different Sonnet Forms
The position of the volta varies depending on the sonnet’s structure:
- Petrarchan (Italian) Sonnet: Comprising an octave (eight lines) and a sestet (six lines), the volta typically occurs between the eighth and ninth lines. This shift often introduces a resolution or counterargument to the problem presented in the octave.
- Shakespearean (English) Sonnet: Consisting of three quatrains (four lines each) followed by a concluding couplet (two lines), the volta usually appears before the final couplet, around the ninth or thirteenth line. This turn often provides a surprising twist or a profound conclusion to the preceding quatrains.
Function and Significance of the Volta
The volta serves several essential functions in a sonnet:
- Contrast: It introduces a juxtaposition, highlighting opposing ideas or emotions, thereby enriching the poem’s complexity.
- Resolution: The shift often presents a solution or insight to a problem or question posed earlier in the poem.
- Emphasis: By altering the direction of thought, the volta emphasizes the core message or theme, leaving a lasting impression on the reader.
Identifying the Volta
Recognizing the volta involves noting certain linguistic cues and structural elements:
- Transitional Words: Words such as “but,” “yet,” “however,” or “then” often signal a shift in the poem’s direction.
- Change in Tone: A noticeable alteration in mood or attitude can indicate the presence of a volta.
- Structural Breaks: In Petrarchan sonnets, the change from the octave to the sestet marks the volta, while in Shakespearean sonnets, the concluding couplet often introduces the turn.
Examples of Sonnet Shifts in Famous Poems
To better understand the concept of a sonnet shift, let’s look at some examples from well-known sonnets.
1. “Sonnet 18” by William Shakespeare
- Shift Location: Before the final couplet (line 13)
- Explanation: In this famous sonnet, Shakespeare spends the first 12 lines comparing his beloved to a summer’s day, highlighting their beauty and perfection. However, in the final couplet, he introduces a shift by declaring that his beloved’s beauty will live on forever through his poetry: “So long as men can breathe or eyes can see, / So long lives this, and this gives life to thee.”
2. “How Do I Love Thee?” by Elizabeth Barrett Browning
- Shift Location: Between the octave and sestet (line 9)
- Explanation: Browning begins the poem by listing the ways she loves her beloved. At the volta, she shifts to a more spiritual tone, expressing her desire to continue loving them even after death: “I love thee with the breath, / Smiles, tears, of all my life; and, if God choose, / I shall but love thee better after death.”
3. “The World Is Too Much with Us” by William Wordsworth
- Shift Location: Between the octave and sestet (line 9)
- Explanation: Wordsworth begins by criticizing humanity’s materialism and disconnect from nature. At the volta, he shifts to a more personal and emotional tone, expressing his longing for a deeper connection with the natural world: “Great God! I’d rather be / A Pagan suckled in a creed outworn.”
Crafting a Volta in Your Own Sonnets
Incorporating a well-placed volta can enhance the emotional and intellectual depth of your sonnet:
1. Establish a Theme: Begin by presenting a clear idea, argument, or emotion in the opening lines.
2. Introduce the Turn: At the appropriate point (depending on the sonnet form), shift the perspective, introduce a contrasting idea, or offer a resolution.
3. Use Transitional Language: Employ words or phrases that naturally guide the reader through the change in thought.
4. Maintain Cohesion: Ensure that the volta complements the overall theme and contributes to the poem’s unity.
Conclusion
The sonnet shift, or volta, is a fundamental element that breathes life into the sonnet form. By introducing a deliberate change in thought, tone, or perspective, the volta adds complexity and depth, engaging readers and enriching their experience of the poem. Understanding and mastering the use of the volta can significantly enhance both the writing and appreciation of sonnets.
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