Why are there no sad limericks? What’s the difference between an Italian sonnet and an English sonnet? And why do they typically tell different kinds of stories? We’ll answer these questions and more in this course. Sonnets, limericks, and other poems are called “fixed forms” because they have to follow rules, like having a certain number of lines or a specific rhyme scheme. This has two consequences: (1) form influences content, and (2) poets use the limits of a “fixed form” to create meaning and beauty. Hence, the Chinese expression for “fixed forms” is “dancing in chains.” This class will cover the limerick, triolet, villanelle, and sestina. Part 2 (a separate class) will focus entirely on the sonnet.

What’s the difference between an Italian sonnet and an English sonnet? And why do they typically tell different kinds of stories? We’ll answer these questions and more in this course. Sonnets, limericks, and other poems are called “fixed forms” because they have to follow rules, like having a certain number of lines or a specific rhyme scheme. This has two consequences: (1) form influences content, and (2) poets use the limits of a “fixed form” to create meaning and beauty. Hence, the Chinese expression for “fixed forms” is “dancing in chains.” This class will focus entirely on the sonnet. (If you are interested in the limerick, triolet, villanelle, and sestina, see Dancing in Chains - Part 1.)