Petrarchanism

Petrarchanism refers to the influence of the Italian poet Petrarch and his style on poetry and thought, emphasizing idealized love and individual emotion. It often includes a structured format with an octave (eight lines) presenting a problem or reflection, followed by a sestet (six lines) that offers resolution or insight. The themes focus on longing, desire, and contemplation of beauty, reflecting Petrarch’s introspective approach to love and personal experience. This style shaped Renaissance poetry and continues to influence poetic expression centered on personal emotion, unrequited love, and introspective reflection.