The major part of the Petrarch sonnet is the

1. Analyze the question The question asks which part makes up the major (larger) portion of a Petrarchan (Italian) sonnet.

2. Explain the concept A Petrarchan sonnet has 14 lines, divided into two parts:

• Octave: the first 8 lines, usually rhyming abbaabba. It presents a problem, situation, or question.
• Sestet: the last 6 lines, usually rhyming cdecde or cdcdcd. It gives the resolution, answer, or reflection.

The turn between them is called the volta.

3. Solution

• Total lines = 14
• Octave = 8 lines
• Sestet = 6 lines

8 is greater than 6, so the octave is the larger, or major, part of the sonnet.

Checking the other options:

• Quintet: 5 lines, not a standard part of a sonnet.
• Sestet: 6 lines, the minor part.
• Tercet: 3 lines, a unit within the sestet (or in other forms), not a main division.

4. Answer The major part of the Petrarchan sonnet is the octave, which is option D.

5. Exam tip Remember: Octave = Opening = Over half (8 lines). The octave comes first and is bigger. The sestet (6 lines) is the shorter closing part. Also, a Shakespearean sonnet is different: three quatrains and a couplet.