The volta in a sonnet is
the rhyme scheme
the name of the stanzas
a change or turn in the poem
the theme
confused
I think its
C) a change or turn in the poem
A turn in a sonnet is called a volta. A vital part of virtually all sonnets, the volta 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, but can occur anywhere in the sonnet.
Google. (CeCe) (:
thanks i looked the definition up again sounds right
What is a Volta?
Volta, can be used in reference to any type of literature, but is most frequently used in regard to poems, particularly sonnets. It comes from Italian and quite literally means ‘turn’, which is why you might hear it referred to as ‘the turn’ or the ‘turning point’.
Your welcome :D
Anna is right ... and you can see it in every sonnet. There's some kind of contrast word or a shift in tone or meaning in that particular line. The voltas in Shakespeare's sonnets are especially easy to find:
http://www.poets.org/poetsorg/poem/shall-i-compare-thee-summers-day-sonnet-18
See the line that begins with "But..." -- that's the turn!
I'm here to help! In the context of a sonnet, the term "volta" refers to a specific element. It can be a bit confusing, so let's break it down.
The volta in a sonnet is a change or turn in the poem. It represents a shift in tone, mood, subject, or perspective within the poem. It typically occurs at or near the beginning of the sestet (the final six lines) in a Petrarchan sonnet or at the beginning of the final quatrain (the last four lines) in a Shakespearean sonnet.
It's important to note that the volta is distinct from other elements you mentioned. The rhyme scheme refers to the pattern of rhyme used throughout the sonnet, the name of the stanzas depends on the specific sonnet form being used, and the theme is the main idea or message conveyed by the poem.
To identify the volta in a sonnet, you can look for a noticeable shift in the poem's content, tone, or direction. Sometimes, the volta is marked by a transitional word or phrase such as "but," "yet," "however," or a similar indicator. Pay attention to any change in ideas, imagery, or emotions as you read through the sonnet, especially at the transition between the octave (first eight lines) and the sestet/quatrain.
Understanding the volta's role in a sonnet can enhance your interpretation of the poem and help you appreciate the poet's intention in crafting it.