Analyzing and Interpreting Literature / Unit 9 AIL 0810 short lesson, about 20 seconds
The Volta
Captions available
The idea
The volta is the turn: the point where a sonnet's argument changes direction. The glossary has no headword for it, so this is the standard term and sense. In a Petrarchan sonnet it falls at line nine; in a Shakespearean one at line nine or line thirteen.
In practice
The turn, and where it falls.
Where people slip
The glossary omits this term.
Your place on the trail
Every lesson rests on earlier ones and opens later ones. Tap any to jump.
Builds on
Unlocks
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