What distinguishes a Petrarchan sonnet?

A Petrarchan sonnet, also known as an Italian sonnet, is distinctively composed of an octave followed by a sestet. The typical rhyme scheme for the octave is ABBAABBA, while the sestet can vary but often takes on patterns such as CDCDCD or CDECDE. This structure allows for a clear thematic shift or volta, where the tone or perspective may change between the two sections.

The use of an octave to present a problem or emotional state and the sestet to resolve or reflect on that theme is a hallmark of this form. The focus on the structural elements of the octave and sestet, along with their specific rhyme schemes, is what sets the Petrarchan sonnet apart from other sonnet forms, such as the Shakespearean sonnet, which features three quatrains followed by a couplet. The specificity of the rhyme scheme and structure creates a unique experience for the reader and is fundamental to the Petrarchan sonnet's identity.