The History of Literature 762 The History of the Sonnet
Dec 29, 2025
Explore the fascinating origins of the sonnet, tracing its roots to 13th-century Sicily and the influence of poets like Petrarch and Shakespeare. Discover the sonnet's evolution through the centuries, from playful parodies to modern experimental forms. Delve into why this 14-line structure, with its blend of challenge and flexibility, continues to captivate poets today. Hear about famous sonneteers and the diverse subjects they tackle, proving that sonnets encompass much more than just love.
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Sonnets’ Enduring Flexibility
- The sonnet is a small, flexible form defined by 14 lines and a few mutable rules.
- Its simplicity has invited centuries of experimentation and enduring appeal.
Shakespeare’s Comic Sonnet
- Jacke reads Shakespeare's Sonnet 130 to show the form's comic and realistic uses.
- The sonnet can satirize conventional love praise while still expressing genuine affection.
Sicilian Birth Of The Sonnet
- Jacke traces the sonnet's origin to Giacomo da Lentini in Frederick II's Sicilian court around 1222–1225.
- Lentini likely combined quatrains and triplets, creating the 8+6 pattern that became the early sonnet.
