SPENSERIAN SONNET
Three Quatrain stanzas, followed by a Heroic Couplet, all lines in Iambic Pentameter.
The “Octave" (first two stanzas) define or introduce a theme with a consistent issue.
The "Volta or Turn" (third stanza) delivers a sudden change of perspective.
The closing "Heroic Couplet" summarizes the intended lesson or resolution to the Octave.
Note that the Spenserian Sonnet is traditionally written with no spaces between stanzas,
but modern composers of sonnets often break verses into three Quatrains,
and a separated Heroic Couplet ending.
Note, too, how the rhymes intertwine from Quatrain to Quatrain verses.
Here is the rhyme scheme for the Spensarian Sonnet:
a-b-a-b
b-c-b-c
c-d-c-d
e-e
Edmund Spencer (c.1552-1599) was a sixteenth century poet during the English Renaissance.
The Spenserian Sonnet emerged from the stanza pattern he employed in writing The Faerie Queene (1590), an epic poem created to celebrate Queen Elizabeth I and an ideal England.
Please, feel free to offer well-meant, constructive critique! 😏
My Review
Would you like to review this Poem? Login | Register
dearest Richard... freedom is a right to embrace... but virtues are tough to
combine with flowers in their Prime. A garden of flowers can sing in
movements that inspire and provide a variety of smiles when aging arrives
and dancing is easier when the Tango is mastered and memory is gone.
gently, Pat
Posted 4 Years Ago
1 of 1 people found this review constructive.
4 Years Ago
Thank you, Dear Lady Pat, ever so wanly and gratefully.🔆
You're so very much like .. read moreThank you, Dear Lady Pat, ever so wanly and gratefully.🔆
You're so very much like a fresh breath of Spring air, you make everything feel right.
I love your beautiful aphorism and praise, too.
Happy hugs 'n blessings! ⁓ Richard 🍃
first let me compliment you on your poem cover. You always seem to find the perfect fitting picture. As for your words. They give me this dreamy state of being, wishing I too could fly.
Posted 3 Years Ago
1 of 1 people found this review constructive.
3 Years Ago
So might it be, Lady S-1 🕊️
That You may.
How wonderful it truly is to kn.. read moreSo might it be, Lady S-1 🕊️
That You may.
How wonderful it truly is to know we share a fantastical dream of soaring free, like the bountifully blessed, rainbow glistering dragonfly.
Thank you for your praise and for relating so truly to the words of this quaint little Sonnet, Dear Poetess.
With my warmest smile 'n hug! ⁓ Richard 🍃
Pon wings of fevered passion, let me try
to sample and breathe all fate can bestow,
to vibrate like the humble dragonfly;
within this stifled frame I cannot grow.
To Vibrate like a dragon fly,... I can feel this as a sputtering flight trying to find a place to land, but unsatisfied maybe with surroundings, or maybe just comfortable with the fluttering vibrations.
Dragonfly's can be used as a metaphor for lots of different reasons. I like the colorful imagery I took in with this.
within this stifled frame I cannot grow - Wow, do you wings ponder what to do, do you fly? do you grow? do you roam? the decision is yours. awesome write Richard
Posted 4 Years Ago
1 of 1 people found this review constructive.
4 Years Ago
Ahhh, Lady Kimmie 🥂
Once again, your charming touches dance across the page, filli.. read moreAhhh, Lady Kimmie 🥂
Once again, your charming touches dance across the page, filling a bard's hopes of pleasing and relating to the brim.
The stanza you've singled-out, and your comments on it, say so much of your depths in grasping the very essence of its true intent.
The spirit in your reactions are what make writing and sharing to me feel so very worthwhile.
Thank you most warmly, Dear Poetess! ⁓ Richard 🍃
Such lovely sentiments from a lovely lady go a long way in gratifying my hopeful poetic efforts. I'm.. read moreSuch lovely sentiments from a lovely lady go a long way in gratifying my hopeful poetic efforts. I'm not sure if a man is supposed to blush, but.....😊
Thank you, Cherrie Dear, with miles of smiles! ⁓ Richard 🍃
4 Years Ago
:) I hope you are having a wonderful Monday and you are busy penning another masterpiece.
4 Years Ago
Wish your wish, Dear Lady Cherrie the day is most wonderful, my old is pen shined and filled, at the.. read moreWish your wish, Dear Lady Cherrie the day is most wonderful, my old is pen shined and filled, at the ready ✍
A beautiful sonnet indeed. Whatever the cause, it's agony to feel like you are in chains; unable to find, discover new ground. It is worth taking a chance, than being bound to something unbearable, even if it's just a chance. And who knows where that chance may bring you. So great!!! Fondly Betty
Posted 4 Years Ago
1 of 1 people found this review constructive.
4 Years Ago
Hi, Dear Betty 🌼
Such a lovely pleasure it is to receive your excellently laid wor.. read moreHi, Dear Betty 🌼
Such a lovely pleasure it is to receive your excellently laid words of understanding, insight, and praise.
Thank you ever-so warmly for sharing this rather inspiring little piece with me … with happiest hugs! ⁓ Richard 🍃
This is a most beautiful Sonnet Richard and you know there is nothing that I could suggest to make it any better ~ it’s Absolutely Perfect as Is. Keep sharing your words with us our Dear Master of Poetry. Hugs & Blessings 🤗🙏, MJ😇
Stay Safe & Well Richard 🙏
Posted 4 Years Ago
1 of 1 people found this review constructive.
4 Years Ago
Ahhh, Sweet Mary Jo 🥀
Your warmth, lovely heart, and praise are always as a balm t.. read moreAhhh, Sweet Mary Jo 🥀
Your warmth, lovely heart, and praise are always as a balm to my humbled, happy being.
I am so very pleased and encouraged you've enjoyed this heartfelt little piece.
Thank you ever-so warmly for your "Hugs & Blessings," they mean so much to me.
With much love, my dear and longest friend! ⁓ Richard 🍃
Me critique? It is not possible, but I did read your Spenserian Sonnet twice, aloud. Feeling the rhythm, and flow of thoughts. Your piece for me speaks strength, and overcoming limitations. Thoughts of my sister come to mind as I read, she lives with MS.
Beautiful as always Sir Richard.
Posted 4 Years Ago
1 of 1 people found this review constructive.
4 Years Ago
Dear Renée
Your voice is sweet as than any sugar plum grown, and as musical and Natu.. read moreDear Renée
Your voice is sweet as than any sugar plum grown, and as musical and Nature's wondrously lush symphony.
That you took time to read my little poem aloud twice, and because you're reminded of your darling sister by its words, are high, humbling praise I'd never expect to receive.
"Beautiful as always," is as beautiful as You.
My warmest, most grateful hugs to Thee! ⁓ Richard 🍃
dearest Richard... freedom is a right to embrace... but virtues are tough to
combine with flowers in their Prime. A garden of flowers can sing in
movements that inspire and provide a variety of smiles when aging arrives
and dancing is easier when the Tango is mastered and memory is gone.
gently, Pat
Posted 4 Years Ago
1 of 1 people found this review constructive.
4 Years Ago
Thank you, Dear Lady Pat, ever so wanly and gratefully.🔆
You're so very much like .. read moreThank you, Dear Lady Pat, ever so wanly and gratefully.🔆
You're so very much like a fresh breath of Spring air, you make everything feel right.
I love your beautiful aphorism and praise, too.
Happy hugs 'n blessings! ⁓ Richard 🍃