ABBA ABBA CDCD EE Poetry

The ABBA ABBA CDCD EE rhyme scheme blends the Petrarchan and Shakespearean sonnet forms. The octave (ABBA ABBA) sets up a theme, the quatrain (CDCD) builds upon it, and the final couplet (EE) delivers a sharp conclusion or twist, offering a structured yet impactful poetic resolution.

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Holy Sonnet 17 (XVII)

by John Donne

Holy Sonnet 17 (XVII) by John Donne is a religious poem. It takes an affectionate tone as the speaker addresses his love for God.

The Petrarchan sonnet employs ABBAABBACDCDEE rhyme scheme. The octave's enclosed rhymes (ABBAABBA) create sonic containment mirroring spiritual confinement after loss. The sestet's alternating pattern (CDCDEE) opens toward resolution, with the closing couplet providing definitive closure. Dental consonants ('d','t') in early rhymes suggest death's abruptness, while softer sounds later reflect divine intimacy.

Since she whom I lov'd hath paid her last debt

To nature, and to hers, and my good is dead,

And her soul early into heaven ravished,

Wholly in heavenly things my mind is set.

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Loving Someone You Can't Have

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Sonnet 31

by Philip Sidney

‘Sonnet 31’ is featured in Astrophil and Stella, a sonnet sequence that has 108 sonnets and 11 songs. It narrates the story of Astrophil and his hopeless passion for Stella.

The poem follows the rhyme scheme ABBA ABBA CDCD EE. The first eight lines follow the ABBA pattern twice, which is a typical feature of a Petrarchan sonnet. Then it changes in the last six lines. The next four lines follow a CDCD pattern, and the final two lines form a rhyming pair. This closing couplet gives the ending a strong finish, helping the speaker express his final thoughts with more impact and clarity.

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 heav'nly place

That busy archer his sharp arrows tries!

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ABBA ABBA CDCD EE Poetry

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ABBA ABBA CDCD EE Poetry

Holy Sonnet 17 (XVII)

by John Donne

Sonnet 31

by Philip Sidney

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