English Literature GCSE
Volta
What Volta means in English Literature GCSE, as defined for Eduqas, OCR.
Definitions of Volta
Exam boards and our study guides word this term in slightly different ways. Learn the version your board uses.
A turn or shift in thought or emotion within a poem.
The 'turn' or shift in argument that occurs in a sonnet, typically at line 9 in a Shakespearean sonnet. In Sonnet 18, the volta is marked by the conjunction 'But' and signals the shift from criticising nature to celebrating poetry's power.
A turn of thought or argument in a poem. In 'Valentine', the single-word stanza "Lethal." acts as a dramatic volta, shifting the tone from ambivalent to overtly dangerous.
The 'turn' in thought or argument in a sonnet. In this poem, it occurs around line 9, where the speaker shifts from challenging Death to actively belittling it.
A turn or shift in the argument or tone of a poem. In a sonnet, this typically occurs around line 9, but voltas can appear in any poem.
The 'turn' or shift in thought/argument in a sonnet, usually occurring between the octave and sestet.
Topics that use Volta
- She Walks in Beauty (Eduqas GCSE)
- The Soldier (Eduqas GCSE)
- Death Be Not Proud (OCR GCSE)
- Poetry across time (OCR GCSE)
- Sonnet 18 (OCR GCSE)
- Unseen Poetry: Analysis and Comparison (OCR GCSE)
- Valentine (OCR GCSE)
Related terms
Using Volta in the exam
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