The Evolving Sonnet

Paper Summary:

In this article, the writer notes that for every age of poetry there has been a form of sonnet. The writer points out that the most well-known style of this poetic form is the Elizabethan sonnet, made famous by William Shakespeare. The writer then relates that the Victorian sonnet, while less well-known by the general public, was a favored form by an equally famous writer, Elizabeth Barrett Browning. The writer notes that the existence of the modern sonnet demonstrates the durability of this poetic form, as demonstrated in the work of Karen Volkman. The writer maintains that although the sonnet has evolved since its inception it remains a lovely and viable poetic form today.

Outline:
Elizabethan Sonnet
Victorian Sonnet
Modern Sonnet
Conclusion
Works Cited

From the Paper:

"Like Shakespeare's sonnets, Browning's poetry is very personal, although in this case the author's audience is known. The cycle selected for this assignment, "Sonnets from the Portuguese," addresses Browning's husband, relating her feelings in return for the affection that he shows to her."
"The first eight lines of Sonnet XXV represent the first stanza of the Petrarchan sonnet. They do not ask any question; rather, they state a fact: the poet's narrator was miserable until she met the man she loved. The final six lines, representing the sestet, expand upon this theme. Although Browning is often criticized as being excessive and sentimental, this style of writing characterized the period."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Academy of American Poets (AAP). "Poetic Form: Sonnet." 2006. 9 August 2006. <http://www.poets.org/viewmedia.php/prmMID/5791>.
• "Elizabeth Barrett Browning (1806-1861): XXV." 9 August 2006. <http://www.sonnets.org/brownine.htm#025>.
• Shakespeare, William. The Sonnets of William Shakespeare. Adobe Press, 1993. 9 August 2006. <http://www.webpdf.com/Download/SHAKESPR/POETRY/SONNETS.PDF>.
• Volkman, Karen. "Sonnet." Boston Review. 9 August 2006. <http://bostonreview.net/BR28.5/volkman.html>.

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