what is the volta of sonnet 80

Natashya

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23-12-2024

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What is the Volta of Sonnet 80? Unpacking Shakespeare's Turn

Shakespeare's Sonnet 80, like many of his sonnets, employs a masterful use of the volta, the crucial turn or shift in thought that marks a change in direction or tone. Pinpointing the exact location of the volta can be subjective, depending on interpretation, but a strong argument can be made for its placement at the beginning of the final quatrain (lines 9-12). Let's delve into why.

The Narrative Before the Turn

The first eight lines paint a picture of the speaker's obsession with the young man's beauty. He describes how the young man's image surpasses all others, even those created by skilled artists. The speaker's devotion is intense, bordering on worship. He's not simply admiring beauty; he's consumed by it. This section establishes the poem's central theme: the overwhelming power of the beloved's beauty and the speaker's complete captivation.

The Volta: A Shift in Perspective

The volta, the pivotal shift, occurs at the beginning of the ninth line: "But wherefore do not you a mightier way." This line introduces a significant change. Up to this point, the poem focuses on the speaker's subjective experience of the young man's beauty. The "But" is a clear signal of a change in direction. The speaker shifts from describing the beauty to questioning its impact. The question marks a critical moment of self-reflection and a challenge to the previously unquestioned adoration.

The shift isn't just about questioning the beloved's beauty; it's a shift in the speaker's approach. He's no longer passively admiring; he's actively questioning his own role and the nature of his intense devotion. This self-awareness is what defines the volta in this sonnet.

The Narrative After the Volta

The remaining lines explore the implications of this self-reflection. The speaker acknowledges the inadequacy of his own creative efforts to capture the young man's beauty. He questions his ability to truly represent this overwhelming beauty in words or art. It's a humbling recognition, a step away from the confident assertion of the earlier lines.

Alternative Interpretations

While the beginning of the ninth line presents a strong case for the volta's location, some might argue for a slightly different placement. The shift in tone could arguably begin earlier, perhaps subtly introduced in the couplet preceding the final quatrain (lines 7-8). However, the explicit "But" and the direct questioning in line 9 strongly mark a clear and decisive break in the poem's flow.

Conclusion: The Volta's Significance

Regardless of the precise location, the volta in Sonnet 80 is crucial to understanding the poem's complexity. It marks a transition from uncritical adoration to self-aware reflection, highlighting the speaker's struggle to reconcile his overwhelming feelings with the limits of his artistic expression. This internal struggle, revealed through the volta, is a key element of the sonnet's emotional power and enduring appeal. It’s a perfect example of Shakespeare's masterful control of language and structure.