1. In William Shakespeare's sonnet "When, in disgrace with fortune and men's eyes," the speaker begins with a mournful and pessimistic tone, expressing his feelings of self-pity and despair. However, the mood shifts dramatically in the second half of the sonnet (after the volta) as the speaker finds solace and comfort in the thought of his beloved.
2. Alexander Pope's "An Essay on Criticism": In this poem, Pope shifts his focus from discussing poetic craftsmanship to addressing the ethical and moral responsibilities of poets. This change marks the volta and highlights the broader implications and significance of poetry.
3. John Donne's "The Flea": In this metaphysical poem, Donne begins by comparing a flea's bloodsucking to the union between lovers. The volta occurs when he argues that their intimate moment defies conventional societal norms, making their love purer and more genuine.
4. Thomas Wyatt's "They Flee from Me": This poem employs a volta when the speaker's tone shifts from lamenting his lost love to embracing his independence and the realization that he is worth more than his former lover's inconstancy.
5. In Percy Bysshe Shelley's "Ozymandias," the initial description of the fallen statue sets an ominous tone, but the volta comes with the lines "My name is Ozymandias, king of kings: Look on my works, ye Mighty, and despair!" This shift emphasizes the arrogance and futility of the ruler's attempts at immortality.
These examples illustrate how a volta can alter the course and meaning of a poem, often adding complexity, depth, and dramatic impact to the narrative.
