fixedsonnet

Fixedsonnet is a term used in discussions of fixed-form poetry to denote a subtype of the sonnet in which the poet must follow a prescribed, unalterable pattern of rhyme and, in some cases, meter. The form centers on 14 lines and typically employs a regular meter such as iambic pentameter, though the exact metrical requirement is defined by the specific subform. The defining feature is a fixed rhyme scheme, chosen for the subform and used consistently in every poem labeled a fixedsonnet. The volta, or turn, is usually positioned at a designated point in the sequence, often near the midpoint or just after the octave, depending on the subform.

History and usage: The term is primarily used in contemporary or experimental poetry discussions rather than as part of a classical canon. It refers to a family of constrained sonnets rather than a single, historic tradition. Poets use fixedsonnets to explore how a predetermined structure shapes meaning, tone, and sonic texture, balancing predictability with creative expression.

Form and variations: Within the fixedsonnet family, subforms differ in their fixed rhyme patterns and line organization. Some variants align with traditional Petrarchan or Shakespearean tendencies, while others impose entirely unique, pre-set schemes. Some versions also fix the position of the volta, while others permit a broader interpretation of the turn.

See also: Sonnet, Fixed form, Sestina, Villanelle, Constrained writing.