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Sonnet Structure and Form

Description: Test your knowledge on the structure and form of sonnets, a popular form of poetry.
Number of Questions: 15
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Tags: sonnets structure form poetry
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What is the traditional rhyme scheme of a Shakespearean sonnet?

  1. ABAB CDCD EFEF GG

  2. ABAB BCBC CDCD EE

  3. ABBA CDCD EFEF GG

  4. ABAB CDCD CDCD EE


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The Shakespearean sonnet, also known as the English sonnet, typically follows a rhyme scheme of ABAB CDCD EFEF GG.

How many lines does a Petrarchan sonnet have?

  1. 10

  2. 14

  3. 16

  4. 18


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

A Petrarchan sonnet, also known as the Italian sonnet, traditionally consists of 14 lines.

What is the division of a Petrarchan sonnet known as?

  1. Stanza

  2. Verse

  3. Octave

  4. Quatrain


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

A Petrarchan sonnet is typically divided into an octave (8 lines) and a sestet (6 lines).

Which of the following is NOT a common meter used in sonnets?

  1. Iambic pentameter

  2. Trochaic octameter

  3. Anapestic dimeter

  4. Spondaic hexameter


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Anapestic dimeter is not a common meter used in sonnets. Iambic pentameter, trochaic octameter, and spondaic hexameter are more frequently employed.

What is the purpose of the volta in a sonnet?

  1. To introduce a new theme

  2. To provide a resolution to the conflict

  3. To mark a shift in tone or mood

  4. To summarize the main points of the sonnet


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

The volta, typically occurring around the 8th or 9th line of a sonnet, marks a shift in tone or mood, often introducing a contrasting perspective or idea.

Which of the following is NOT a type of sonnet?

  1. Shakespearean

  2. Petrarchan

  3. Spenserian

  4. Miltonic


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Spenserian is not a type of sonnet. Shakespearean, Petrarchan, and Miltonic are all recognized forms of sonnets.

What is the rhyme scheme of a Spenserian sonnet?

  1. ABAB BCBC CDCD EE

  2. ABAB CDCD EFEF GG

  3. ABBA ABBA CDCD EE

  4. ABAB BCBC CDCD CDCD


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The Spenserian sonnet follows a rhyme scheme of ABAB BCBC CDCD EE.

How many lines does a Miltonic sonnet have?

  1. 10

  2. 12

  3. 14

  4. 16


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

A Miltonic sonnet, also known as the English sonnet, consists of 14 lines.

What is the rhyme scheme of a Miltonic sonnet?

  1. ABAB CDCD EFEF GG

  2. ABBA ABBA CDCD EE

  3. ABAB BCBC CDCD EE

  4. ABAB BCBC CDCD CDCD


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The Miltonic sonnet follows a rhyme scheme of ABAB CDCD EFEF GG.

Which of the following poets is NOT known for writing sonnets?

  1. William Shakespeare

  2. John Milton

  3. William Wordsworth

  4. Percy Bysshe Shelley


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

William Wordsworth is not known for writing sonnets. William Shakespeare, John Milton, and Percy Bysshe Shelley are all renowned sonnet writers.

What is the main theme of sonnets?

  1. Love

  2. Nature

  3. Death

  4. Philosophy


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Sonnets often explore the theme of love, examining its various aspects and emotions.

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a sonnet?

  1. Specific rhyme scheme

  2. Meter

  3. Fixed number of lines

  4. Free verse


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Sonnets do not typically employ free verse. They have a specific rhyme scheme, meter, and a fixed number of lines.

What is the purpose of a sonnet?

  1. To express emotions

  2. To tell a story

  3. To convey a message

  4. All of the above


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Sonnets can serve various purposes, including expressing emotions, telling a story, conveying a message, or a combination of these.

Which of the following is NOT a type of sonnet structure?

  1. Shakespearean

  2. Petrarchan

  3. Spenserian

  4. Blank verse


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Blank verse is not a type of sonnet structure. It refers to poetry written in unrhymed iambic pentameter.

What is the difference between a Shakespearean and a Petrarchan sonnet?

  1. Rhyme scheme

  2. Number of lines

  3. Meter

  4. All of the above


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Shakespearean and Petrarchan sonnets differ in their rhyme scheme, number of lines, and meter.

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