Which sonnet form has a rhyme scheme of abba, commonly known as?

Which sonnet form has a rhyme scheme of abba, commonly known as?

• A. Petrarchan sonnet
• B. Shakespearean sonnet
• C. Spensarian sonnet
• D. Italian sonnet

Answer: (A)

The sonnet form characterized by the rhyme scheme of abba is commonly known as the Petrarchan sonnet. This form, also referred to as the Italian sonnet, consists of an octave and a sestet. The octave adheres to the abba abba rhyme scheme, typically posing a problem or question, while the sestet can have varying rhyme schemes, often cdecde or cdcdcd. Although the Italian and Petrarchan sonnets are often used interchangeably, the specific emphasis here on the abba rhyme scheme distinctly identifies the Petrarchan sonnet, as Petrarch was one of the first poets to use this structure extensively. In contrast, the Shakespearean sonnet, which follows the rhyme scheme of abab cdcd efef gg, and the Spensarian sonnet, which uses a rhyme scheme of abab bcbc cdcd ee, do not match the hallmark characteristics of the Petrarchan form. Therefore, recognizing the specific rhyme scheme and its historical context is essential in identifying the correct choice.

The sonnet form characterized by the rhyme scheme of abba is commonly known as the Petrarchan sonnet. This form, also referred to as the Italian sonnet, consists of an octave and a sestet. The octave adheres to the abba abba rhyme scheme, typically posing a problem or question, while the sestet can have varying rhyme schemes, often cdecde or cdcdcd.

Although the Italian and Petrarchan sonnets are often used interchangeably, the specific emphasis here on the abba rhyme scheme distinctly identifies the Petrarchan sonnet, as Petrarch was one of the first poets to use this structure extensively. In contrast, the Shakespearean sonnet, which follows the rhyme scheme of abab cdcd efef gg, and the Spensarian sonnet, which uses a rhyme scheme of abab bcbc cdcd ee, do not match the hallmark characteristics of the Petrarchan form. Therefore, recognizing the specific rhyme scheme and its historical context is essential in identifying the correct choice.