Desideria

I've been given bits of information, but I fear, none of it enough to help me use the Petrarchan form. First I was told that the Italian sonnet needs no meter at all, but merely must follow the specific rhyme pattern and include the "break" between the octave and the sestet. Next I was told that I need to use a specific meter, but wasn't told what that meter was. Then I was informed that Italian sonnets require 14 syllables per line as compared to the English sonnets' 10 syllables.

HELP!!!

What is the metrical pattern of an Italian/Petrarchan sonnet form? And how many syllables are required per line, if indeed they ARE required?

Desideria

MsJacquiiC

Petrarchan Sonnet
We've a nice section on JPiC dedicated to and specifically for poetic forms
I've done a bit of research on the Petrachan Sonnet and I've yet to hear of any particular rhythm/meter --- There is a specific rhyme pattern that you will see at the link above...
Apparently the strict protocol for the Petrachan Sonnet is that there is 1 octave and then a final sestet -- then the sestet has a pivot (change of meaning) in thought from the beginning lines.

Hope this helps
And I look forward to you posting your Petrarchan Sonnet on JPiC
ALSO - welcome to the Community

Jacquii.

Desideria

That's exactly as I thought it was. However, I wrote what I thought was a Petrarchan sonnet, based upon only the rhyme pattern and the octave/sestet business, as well as the change or solution in the sestet, and was told it was all very nice, but it lacked the required meter. That's what has me so confused. I've never heard of a required meter, in all my books, or in my online research. I was hoping someone here might know what this meter is supposed to be. Thanks for the direction. The file on Petrarchan is one I found sometime ago and used to fuel my interest in the subject.

Desi

MsJacquiiC

I have no idea really - Perhaps someone is yanking you about the "required meter"
Never heard of it either, perhaps they're just yanking you

Jacquii.