What is the structure of a sestet?

A sestet is defined as a group of six lines of poetry. This structure is significant in various poetic forms, particularly in sonnets, where a sestet typically follows an octave (the first eight lines). The sestet often presents a resolution, counterargument, or conclusion to the ideas introduced in the preceding lines. Understanding this structure is essential for analyzing the rhythm, rhyme scheme, and overall meaning of a poem, as it establishes the way thoughts are developed and transitioned within the piece. Thus, recognizing that a sestet consists of six lines contributes to a deeper comprehension of poetic forms and their functions.