This document provides information about Petrarchan sonnets and analyzes Sonnet 31 by Sir Philip Sidney. It discusses the typical rhyme scheme and structure of Petrarchan sonnets, including the octave and sestet sections separated by a volta. For Sonnet 31, it notes the abbaabbacdcdee rhyme scheme and that the sonnet is addressed to the moon, with the poet discussing his own lovesickness that he sees reflected in the pale moon as he expresses sad and frustrated feelings about his unattainable love.

1. Petrarchan Sonnets

2. Sir Philip SidneyScholar, poet, soldierUpper-class connects but modestAttended Oxford and CambridgeComposed the 1st great sonnet sequence in English: Astrophel and Stella

3. Astrophel and StellaSonnet sequenceAstrophel’s love for StellaInspired by Penelope Devereux (Stella) and Sir Philip Sidney (Astrophel)Devereux & Sidney engaged, broken off, Penelope marries another

4. Petrarchan Sonnet: FormatIambic pentameter10 syllables per line: 5 stressed, 5 unstressedDivided into 2 sections by 2 different groups of rhyming sounds: octave and sestetVolta: a change from one rhyme group to another, signifies a change in subject matter. Usually the main point/essential part of a sonnet.In a Petrarchan sonnet, this occurs between the octave and the sestet.

5. Petrarchan Sonnet: FormatFirst 8 lines = octave Octave rhyme scheme:a b b a a b b aRemaining 6 lines =sestet Can have either 2 or 3 rhyming sounds, arranged in a variety of ways: c d c d c d c d d c d c c d e c d e c d e c e d c d c e d c c d c d e e

6. Sonnet 31- Sidneyp. 243

7. What are we looking for?Rhyme scheme?Addressed to what/whom?Discussing what/whom?Metaphor?Feelings toward his love?

8. With how sad steps, O Moon, thou climb'st the skies! How silently, and with how wan a face ! What, may it be that even in heavenly place That busy archer his sharp arrows tries? Sure, if that long with love-acquainted eyes Can judge of love, thou feel'st a lover's case; I read it in thy looks; thy languished grace To me that feel the like, thy state descries. Then, even of fellowship, O Moon, tell me, Is constant love deemed there but want of wit? Are beauties there as proud as here they be? Do they above love to be loved, and yet Those lovers scorn whom that love doth possess? Do they call virtue there, ungratefulness?

9. What are we looking for?Rhyme scheme? abbaabbacdcdeeAddressed to what/whom? The moonDiscussing what/whom? Frustrations with relationship, lovesickness for a womanMetaphor? Sees his own lovesickness mirrored in the pale moonFeelings toward his love? Lovesick, sad, unattainable