Spenser Shall I compare

Spenser

Sonnets

Three types marked by rhyme:

The Petrarchan or Italian sonnet: abba,abba, cde,cde

The Spenserian sonnet: abab, bcbc, cdcd, ee

The Shakespearean or English sonnet: abab, cdcd, efef, gg

Sonnet

A fixed verse form consisting of fourteen lines, usually  in iambic pentameter.

(= one unstressed syllable followed by one stressed syllable)

Italian Sonnet

14 lines

usually 2 parts 
octave - first 8 lines - poet describes situation

Break of thought - volta - turn

sextet - remaining 6 lines - poet's personal views and feelings

Amoretti Sonnet 75