Volta (literature)
Encyclopedia
In literature
, the volta, also referred to as the turn, is the shift or point of dramatic change. The term is most frequently used in discussion of sonnet
form, in which the volta marks a shift in thought (often from question to answer or problem to solution). It is most frequently encountered at the end of the octave (first eight lines in Petrarchan or Spenserian sonnets), or the end of the twelfth line in Shakespearean sonnets.
The volta is significant because both the particular rhyme
s unifying the two quatrain
s of the octave and also the envelope scheme are abandoned simultaneously, regardless of whether this break is further reinforced syntactically
by a full stop at the end of the octave (though it usually is), creating a decisive "turn in thought."
Voltas appear in various popularised sonnets.
Literature
Literature is the art of written works, and is not bound to published sources...
, the volta, also referred to as the turn, is the shift or point of dramatic change. The term is most frequently used in discussion of sonnet
Sonnet
A sonnet is one of several forms of poetry that originate in Europe, mainly Provence and Italy. A sonnet commonly has 14 lines. The term "sonnet" derives from the Occitan word sonet and the Italian word sonetto, both meaning "little song" or "little sound"...
form, in which the volta marks a shift in thought (often from question to answer or problem to solution). It is most frequently encountered at the end of the octave (first eight lines in Petrarchan or Spenserian sonnets), or the end of the twelfth line in Shakespearean sonnets.
The volta is significant because both the particular rhyme
Rhyme
A rhyme is a repetition of similar sounds in two or more words and is most often used in poetry and songs. The word "rhyme" may also refer to a short poem, such as a rhyming couplet or other brief rhyming poem such as nursery rhymes.-Etymology:...
s unifying the two quatrain
Quatrain
A quatrain is a stanza, or a complete poem, consisting of four lines of verse. Existing in various forms, the quatrain appears in poems from the poetic traditions of various ancient civilizations including Ancient Greece, Ancient Rome, and China; and, continues into the 21st century, where it is...
s of the octave and also the envelope scheme are abandoned simultaneously, regardless of whether this break is further reinforced syntactically
Syntax
In linguistics, syntax is the study of the principles and rules for constructing phrases and sentences in natural languages....
by a full stop at the end of the octave (though it usually is), creating a decisive "turn in thought."
Voltas appear in various popularised sonnets.