What is Italian Sonnet ?

The Italian (or Petrarchan) Sonnet: The basic meter of all sonnets in English is iambic pentameter (basic
information on iambic pentameter),although there have been a few tetrameter and even
hexametersonnets, as well. The exact pattern of sestet rhymes (unlike the octave pattern)is flexible.

What is Shakespearean Sonnet?

Shakespeare's sonnets are written predominantly in a meter called iambic pentameter, a rhyme scheme
in which each sonnet line consists of ten syllables. The syllables are divided into five pairs called iambs or
iambic feet. An iamb is a metrical unit made up of one unstressed syllable followed by one stressed
syllable.

What is the structure of Italian sonnet?

The Italian (or Petrarchan) Sonnet: The basic meter of all sonnets in English is iambic pentameter (basic
information on iambic pentameter),although there have been a few tetrameter and even
hexametersonnets, as well. The exact pattern of sestet rhymes (unlike the octave pattern)is flexible.

What is structure of Shakespearean sonnet?

There are fourteen lines in a Shakespearean sonnet. The first twelve lines are divided into three
quatrains with four lines each. In the three quatrains the poet establishes a theme or problem and then
resolves it in the final two lines, called the couplet. The rhyme scheme of the quatrains is abab cdcd efef.
Example of Shakespearean Sonnet:

A Shakespearean Sonnet poem

Sonnet 130

My Mistress' eyes are nothing like

a
the sun;
Coral is far more red than her lips'
b
red;
If snow be white, why then her
a
breasts are dun;
If hairs be wires, black wires grow
b
on her head.

I have seen roses damasked, red and

c
white,
But no such roses see I in her
d
cheeks;
And in some perfumes is there more
c
delight
There in the breath that from my
d
mistress reeks.

I love to hear her speak; yet well I

e
know
That music hath a far more pleasing
f
sound;
I grant I never saw a goddess go; e
My mistress, when she walks, treads
f
on the ground

Any yet, by heaven, I think my love

g
as rare
As any she belied with false
g
compare.
Example of Italian Sonnet:

When I Consider How My Light Is Spent

When I consider how my light is spent

Ere half my days, in this dark world and wide,
And that one talent which is death to hide
Lodged with me useless, though my soul more bent
To serve therewith my Maker, and present
My true account, lest he returning chide;
"Doth God exact day-labor, light denied?"
I fondly ask; but Patience to prevent

That murmur, soon replies, "God doth not need

Either man's work or his own gifts; who best
Bear his mild yoke, they serve him best. His state
Is kingly. Thousands at his bidding speed
And post o'er land and ocean without rest:
They also serve who only stand and wait."

John Milton