The "turn" in a poem where the argument or mood shifts.
The volta is the "turn" in a poem where the argument, tone, or mood shifts. It's a pivotal moment that changes the direction of the poem — introducing a new perspective, complication, or resolution.
The volta is most commonly associated with sonnets. In a Petrarchan sonnet, it typically arrives at line 9, marking the transition from the octave (which presents a problem or question) to the sestet (which offers a response). In a Shakespearean sonnet, the volta often appears in the final couplet.
But voltas aren't limited to sonnets — any poem can have a turn. A poem might begin with description and then shift to reflection, or start with anger and turn to forgiveness. Identifying the volta helps readers understand the poem's structure and the poet's intentions.
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