Could someone please explain to me the rhyming scheme of a Petrarchan poem?

http://www.answers.com/topic/petrarchan-sonnet

Let us know if you still have questions.

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Here's an excellent explanation of how one figures a rhyme scheme:

http://www.lausd.k12.ca.us/lausd/resources/Literary.Terms.2.html#Rhyme%20Scheme

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Certainly! The rhyming scheme of a Petrarchan poem follows a specific pattern. A Petrarchan, also known as an Italian sonnet, is divided into two parts - an octave (eight lines) and a sestet (six lines).

The rhyme scheme for the octave is typically ABBAABBA, where each letter represents a different end rhyme. This means that the first and fourth lines rhyme with each other, as do the second and third lines, and the fifth and eighth lines. The rhyme scheme of the octave creates a sense of symmetry and structure.

The sestet, on the other hand, has a more flexible rhyme scheme. The most common variations are CDECDE or CDCCDC. However, other combinations are also possible, as long as there is some variation in the end rhymes.

To determine the rhyme scheme of a Petrarchan poem, it is helpful to identify and label the end rhymes of each line. By doing so, you can easily see the pattern and understand the structure of the poem. You can refer to literary resources or online references that provide information on rhyme schemes or specific examples of Petrarchan poems to further clarify your understanding.

I hope this explanation helps! Let me know if you have any more questions.