During the previous lesson we analyzed a Petrarch's sonnet: it is composed of an octave and a sestet.

The structure of the English sonnet underwent an evolution developed by the different sonneteers:
Wyatt mainly translated Petrarch's sonnets while Henry Howard Earl of Surrey transformed the structure octave plus sestet into the one three quatrains and a couplet. All this was due to the different nature of the English language and Italian.

The sonnet is a lyrical form of poetry and generally addresses a lady, mainly unreachable, balanced and pure.

Shakespeare on his side in his collection of sonnets also addresses his sonnets to a fair youth and to a dark lady who didn't show the features of courteous love poetry at all. His intention was to create a parody of the conventions of love poetry, thus showing all his great ability and skill in using the language for new purposes.

Analysis of the sonnet: Passa La Nave Mia Colma D'Oblio

The words "nave, remo" are linked to other words that are personified ("sospir, lagrimar, speranze, desio").

The poet organizes the text with an analogy between the sea and life. The word's use underlines a form of suffering, the negative mood of the poet ("sospir, stanche").

The poet relies on the use of the possessive adjectives to suggest the suffering.

Even the references of weather conditions make it clear that sailing is not a simple progress but it is made difficult by the winter season that is when the conditions of climate are characterized by difficulties. In addition the reference to Scilla and Caribdi, two monsters, highlights the condition of fear the poet is to face. The insisted use of the possessive adjectives in key position place the emotional state of the speaking voice into the forefront.

The function of the octave is to express the poet's problems.