PETRARCHAN SONNETS

Sir Philip Sidney

Scholar, poet, soldier Upper-class connects but modest Attended Oxford and Cambridge Composed the 1st great sonnet sequence

in English: Astrophel and Stella

Astrophel and Stella

Sonnet sequence Astrophel’s love for Stella Inspired by Penelope Devereux (Stella)

and Sir Philip Sidney (Astrophel) Devereux & Sidney engaged, broken off,

Penelope marries another

Petrarchan Sonnet: Format

Iambic pentameter 10 syllables per line: 5 stressed, 5

unstressedDivided into 2 sections by 2 different

groups of rhyming sounds: octave and sestet

Volta: a change from one rhyme group to another, signifies a change in subject matter. Usually the main point/essential part of a sonnet.In a Petrarchan sonnet, this occurs between the octave and the sestet.

Petrarchan Sonnet: Format

First 8 lines = octaveOctave rhyme scheme: a b b a a b b a

Remaining 6 lines = sestetCan have either 2 or 3 rhyming sounds, arranged in a variety of ways:

c d c d c dc d d c d cc d e c d ec d e c e dc d c e d cc d c d e e

Sonnet 31- Sidney

p. 243

What are we looking for?

Rhyme scheme? Addressed to what/whom? Discussing what/whom? Metaphor? Feelings toward his love?

With how sad steps, O Moon, thou climb'st the skies! How silently, and with how wan a face ! What, may it be that even in heavenly place That busy archer his sharp arrows tries? Sure, if that long with love-acquainted eyes Can judge of love, thou feel'st a lover's case; I read it in thy looks;  thy languished grace To me that feel the like, thy state descries. Then, even of fellowship, O Moon, tell me, Is constant love deemed there but want of wit? Are beauties there as proud as here they be? Do they above love to be loved, and yet       Those lovers scorn whom that love doth possess?       Do they call virtue there, ungratefulness?

What are we looking for?

Rhyme scheme? abbaabba cdcdee Addressed to what/whom? The moon Discussing what/whom? Frustrations with

relationship, lovesickness for a woman Metaphor? Sees his own lovesickness

mirrored in the pale moon Feelings toward his love? Lovesick, sad,

unattainable