The Meaning and Impact of Volta in Poetry

When we hear the term 'volta', we often think of science and electricity, as it is connected to volts and voltages. However, in poetry, volta is a powerful literary device used by poets to add depth and meaning to their work. Let's take a closer look at what volta means in poetry and why writers choose to incorporate it.

The Origin and Purpose of Volta

The word 'volta' comes from Italian, meaning 'turn', which is a fitting description of its role in poetry - a turning point in the argument of a poem. While volta can be placed in various parts of a poem, it is most commonly found at the end. Not every poem contains a volta, but when it does, it adds a unique element to the overall message.

There are different terms for volta, such as 'fulcrum' and 'turning point', but they all serve the same purpose - to shift the direction or tone of the poem. Let's examine some examples of voltas in poetry and understand their impact.

Voltas in Poetry: Examples and Significance

In U.A. Fanthorpe's poem 'A Minor Role', the speaker reflects on their societal role due to their chronic illness. The poem includes a quote from the play Oedipus Rex, and the volta occurs in the final two stanzas with the speaker's exclamation, 'No it wouldn't!' This sudden change in tone showcases the speaker's determination to overcome their illness and live a fulfilling life.

Similarly, in Tim Turnball's 'Ode to a Grayson Perry Urn', the volta is in the final stanza where the speaker contemplates the artwork's impact on future generations. It highlights the subjectivity of beauty and truth, which can change over time.

Simon Armitage's 'Remains' also incorporates a volta, where the speaker realizes the lasting impact of war on their conscience. It showcases the lingering effects of war, even after it has ended.

Sonnets and the Placement of Volta

While voltas can occur in any type of poem, they are most commonly found in sonnets. In sonnets, the volta typically falls at the start of the third quatrain, adding a twist to the overall message of the poem.

For example, John Milton's 'Sonnet 19: When I consider how my light is spent' demonstrates this placement. The poem reflects Milton's thoughts on his blindness in relation to God. However, the volta occurs after the octave, with Milton realizing that he does not need sight to serve and love God.

William Shakespeare's 'Sonnet 20' also follows this convention, with the volta occurring in lines 8-9. The speaker laments that their love interest, despite having feminine features, was made by nature to be a man for women, shifting their admiration to sadness as their love cannot flourish in Tudor society.

In Conclusion

Volta adds depth and meaning to a poem by presenting a turning point in the argument. It allows the poet to shift perspectives and evoke various emotions in the reader. So, next time you read a poem, keep an eye out for the volta and see how it impacts your interpretation.

The Importance of Understanding Volta in Poetry

In Shakespeare's 'Sonnet 20', the speaker's love for a woman is evident as he praises her femininity and uniqueness. This sonnet also showcases the presence of a volta, a turning point or shift in a poem that can change the tone, structure, or argument of the speaker. The volta is essential in poetry as it adds depth and complexity to the overall theme and message. Let's explore other examples of volta in different poetic forms.

Other Types of Volta

The traditional haiku is believed to have a built-in volta, marked by the kireji, a word that signifies a transition from one idea to another. However, this can be challenging to identify when translated into English, as seen in Matsuo Basho's famous haiku 'Old Pond and Frog'. In this haiku, the frog's leap into the pond serves as the kireji, transforming the once still pond into a dynamic body of water.

Identifying the Volta in Poetry

Locating a volta in a poem can be tricky, but certain clues can help in its identification. One way to spot a volta is through signpost words, such as "but," "yet," "except," and "still," which often indicate a change in argument. For example, in 'Sonnet 130', Shakespeare's use of "yet" marks the transition from criticizing his lover's appearance to appreciating their true beauty through love.

Similarly, in Seamus Heaney's poem 'Death of a Naturalist', the word "then" is used to show a shift in time, as the boy's perception of the frogs changes as they grow older. This sudden change in tone and behavior serves as a clear indicator of the presence of a volta in the poem.

Tone and structure can also act as signposts for a volta. In John Milton's 'When I Consider how my Light is Spent', the poem begins with a tone of hopelessness and isolation, but as it progresses, the speaker's emotions shift to a more hopeful tone as they find solace in God's love.

In a sonnet, the volta often occurs at the start of the sestet, which forms the second part of the poem. In a Petrarchan sonnet, the volta is marked by a change in rhyme scheme, often from ABBAABBA to CDCDCD or CDECDE. A Shakespearean sonnet, on the other hand, has a volta at the final couplet, which also marks the poem's conclusion.

By understanding and identifying the volta in poetry, readers can gain a deeper appreciation for the art form and the complexities within. It showcases the poet's mastery of words and their ability to evoke emotions and shift perspectives within a few lines. So next time you read a poem, keep an eye out for the volta and see how it adds depth to the poet's message.

Unlocking the Power of a Volta in Poetry

Poetry is a unique art form that captures the human experience through words and emotions. Within the structure of a sonnet, there lies a key element that adds depth and impact to the poem – the volta. In this article, we will delve into the purpose and significance of a volta in poetry, and how it can transform a poem into a powerful piece of literature.

But first, what exactly is a volta and why do poets use it? A volta, also known as a turn, is a shift in thought or perspective within a poem. It can take various forms, such as a change in tone, a shift in argument, or the introduction of a new idea. This sudden change can create a sense of surprise and add a new layer of depth and meaning to the poem.

To understand the impact of a volta, let's look at an example from one of the most renowned poems in literary history – William Shakespeare's sonnet 130. In the first 8 lines, the narrator criticizes his lover's appearance using unflattering comparisons. However, the poem takes a dramatic turn in line 9 when the narrator's tone shifts, admitting that his lover's beauty is beyond compare. This volta reveals the true depth of the narrator's love and transforms the poem from a cynical critique to a declaration of true love.

So why is a volta such a crucial element in poetry? For one, it adds a human touch to the narrator, showing their ability to evolve and adapt their thoughts and emotions. It also serves as a conclusion to an argument or thought, bringing the poem full circle and leaving the reader with a sense of closure and understanding.

Some may wonder if a volta is a language or a structural element in poetry. The answer is both. A volta is a rhetorical shift in the narrative, making it a language or rhetorical device. However, the structure of a poem can also play a role in indicating the presence of a volta. For instance, in Shakespearean sonnets, the volta is often found in either the ninth line or the final couplet, while Petrarchan sonnets feature it between the octet and sestet.

In conclusion, a volta is a powerful tool in poetry that can evoke emotions, add depth, and create a lasting impact on the reader. As you read poems, keep an eye out for the volta and see how it affects your understanding and interpretation of the poem at hand.