A volta in a poem refers to a pivotal shift or change in tone, mood, or perspective. This literary device is closely associated with the Italian sonnet, where it typically occurs after the octave (the first eight lines), signaling a departure from the initial thematic or emotional landscape. The volta is often marked by transitional words like “but” or “yet,” linking the two distinct sections of the poem and creating a sense of tension or contrast. Its placement within the poem’s structure—often coinciding with a shift in rhyme scheme or meter—emphasizes its importance as a structural element, guiding the reader’s interpretation and engagement with the poem’s unfolding
Best Structure for Volta in a Poem
A volta (Italian for “turn”) is a shift or change in a poem’s mood, perspective, or theme. It is often used to create tension or surprise, and can be a powerful tool for engaging the reader.
There is no one “right” way to structure a volta, but there are a few general guidelines that can help you create an effective one:
- Make it clear. The volta should be unmistakable to the reader. Don’t be subtle about it; make your shift obvious.
- Use contrast. The volta should create a sense of contrast with the preceding lines. This can be done by changing the tone, perspective, or subject matter.
- Keep it short. The volta should be brief and to the point. Don’t drag it out or overexplain it.
Here are a few examples of effective voltas:
- In William Wordsworth’s “Ode: Intimations of Immortality,” the volta comes in the fourth stanza, when the speaker shifts from a joyful celebration of childhood to a lament for its loss:
There was a time when meadow, grove, and stream,
The earth, and every common sight,
To me did seem
Apparelled in celestial light,
The glory and the freshness of a dream.
It is not now as it hath been of yore;—
Turn wheresoe'er I may,
By night or day,
The things which I have seen I now can see no more.
- In Elizabeth Bishop’s “The Fish,” the volta comes in the fifth stanza, when the speaker shifts from a description of the fish to a reflection on her own mortality:
I looked into his eyes
which were black and cold as the sea,
and the old terror came back
of being alone at the edge of the world,
of having to speak through the mask
of my own face, against which the sea
rumbled like an abandoned conch shell.
- In Robert Frost’s “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening,” the volta comes in the third stanza, when the speaker shifts from a description of the woods to a reflection on his own life:
Whose woods these are I think I know.
His house is in the village though;
He will not see me stopping here
To watch his woods fill up with snow.
My little horse must think it queer
To stop without a farmhouse near
Between the woods and frozen lake
The darkest evening of the year.
He gives his harness bells a shake
To ask if there is some mistake.
The only other sound's the sweep
Of easy wind and downy flake.
The woods are lovely, dark and deep,
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep.
As you can see, the volta can be a powerful tool for creating tension and surprise in a poem. By using the guidelines above, you can create your own effective voltas that will engage your readers and leave them thinking about your work long after they’ve finished reading it.
Table of Volta Techniques
| Technique | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Contrast | Change in tone, perspective, or subject matter | “Ode: Intimations of Immortality” by William Wordsworth |
| Juxtaposition | Placing two contrasting images or ideas side by side | “The Fish” by Elizabeth Bishop |
| Enjambment | Running a sentence or phrase over multiple lines | “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening” by Robert Frost |
Tips for Writing an Effective Volta
- Use a strong verb. The verb in your volta should be active and powerful.
- Use figurative language. Similes, metaphors, and other figures of speech can help you create a vivid and memorable volta.
- Read your work aloud. This will help you identify any awkward or unnatural phrasing.
Question 1:
What is the significance of “volta” in poetry?
Answer:
Volta is a literary term used to describe a point or line in a poem where the tone, mood, or direction of the speaker’s thought shifts abruptly, creating a turning point in the poem.
Question 2:
How does a volta affect the structure of a poem?
Answer:
A volta divides a poem into two distinct sections, with the movement from the first to the second often characterized by a change in imagery, rhyme scheme, or syntax.
Question 3:
What is the purpose of using a volta in poetry?
Answer:
Volta allows poets to explore complex emotions, perspectives, and themes by introducing a sudden shift in thought or mood, creating a sense of tension and resolution within the poem’s structure.
Well, there you have it, folks! I hope you enjoyed this little ditty about the volta. It’s a pretty cool concept, right? If you’re interested in learning more about poetry, be sure to stick around. I’ve got plenty more where that came from. Thanks for reading, and I’ll see you next time!