Russia: Onegin Stanza and Pushkin Sonnet

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Onegin Stanza  and the Pushkin Sonnet are both named for and originate from Russian poet, Alexander Pushkin and his 1825 novel in verse, Eugenij Onegin.   Each stanza in the book was originally meant to serve as a mini chapter.  The two forms are sometimes thought to be the same but basically these are two different verse forms from the same origin, using the same physical frame but with different intent.

In its original form, it is narrative. stanzaic, (written within the context of other stanzas) and does not necessarily take a turn or volta. Technically the stanza wouldn't qualify as a sonnet. But the frame written in a single quatorzain (14 Lines) in lyrical verse, exhibits a turn or volta,  and as long as it "sings" certainly qualifies as a sonnet.
 
Note: The book was made into the movie "Onegin" in 1999 staring Ralph Feines and Liv Tyler.

The elements of the Onegin stanza are:

1. a narrative.
2. stanzaic, written in any number of quatorzians (14 lines)composed of 3 quatrains and a concluding couplet. The 1^st quatrain, introduces the main idea, the 2^nd and 3^rd quatrains develop the idea and the couplet is often a witty or instructional conclusion.
3. metered, iambic tetrameter.
4. rhymed. The rhyme scheme allows 5 rhymes and is varied by quatrain. The 1^st quatrain is alternating rhyme, the 2^nd is sequential rhyme, the 3^rd is envelope rhyme and the stanza concludes with a rhyming couplet. Rhyme scheme abab ccdd effe gg. In Russian the rhyme also appears in a feminine-masculine pattern adding tension between syntax and rhyme. The a c and e rhyme are feminine while the b d f and g rhymes are masculine. In English I have found the feminine/masculine end pattern is often ignored. If you choose to write with the rise and fall end rhyme pattern, it may be easier to add an extra unstressed syllable to the line with the feminine rhyme. (Note: The book was originally written in Russian, which better accommodates the specifics of the rhyme.)

The elements of the Pushkin Sonnet are:

1. lyrical
2. written in a single quatorzian composed of 3 quatrains and a concluding couplet. The 1^st quatrain, introduces the main idea, the 2^nd and 3^rd quatrains develop the idea and a concluding couplet.
3. metered, iambic tetrameter.
4. rhymed. The rhyme scheme allows 5 rhymes and is varied by quatrain. The 1^st quatrain is alternating rhyme, the 2^nd is sequential rhyme, the 3^rd is envelope rhyme and the stanza concludes with a rhyming couplet. Rhyme scheme abab ccdd effe gg.  As in the stanza, for the purist,  feminine rhyme could be used on the a c and e rhymes.
5. has a turn or volta somewhere after the 2nd quatrain.
    

When written as a lyrical meditation in 14 lines the              form is best referred to as the Pushkin Sonnet. Just Lately by Goeffrey Le Voguer Just lately my whole thoughts are turning to words I wish I'd said: before your out bound ship was churning its white wake to some distant shore. I should have listened to the anchor and chain: the groans, the squeals, the rancor of inferred pain. “This is a time that cares not for a lover's mind!” For without you a bleakness enters my life; a creeping fog to tease and cling like Spanish moss on trees. And all our might-have-beens are centered in its grey form, set to release ghosts of missed opportunities.

When written as a narrative in stanzaic form of more than one stanza it is best referred to as the Onegin Stanza Shadows at Dawn by Judi Van Gorder To change direction of the past would alter who I am today. Eliminate regrets and cast vague shadows on my current stay. Those injured by my actions then would now be also changed from when this magic mending did occur, I wonder how the lines would blur. The boy I left, that broke his heart moved on to find a better mate. If I had stayed we'd play with fate and sadly skip our trials apart. It's best to leave things done and gone a better way to see the dawn. I gave up school and chose to wed, no college paper dons my wall, yet there is comfort in my bed and my career has been my call. With triple figures for my pay I still find time to love and play. Scholastic ventures can be found without a formal classroom bound. Should I return to former days, the sheepskin prize, I'd give a try but that would really be a lie, I liked the journey in the maze. It's best to leave things done and gone, a brighter way to see the dawn. Although this life is only lent I'm grateful for this home called earth. My autumn days have all been spent it was a blink to now from birth. I have matured, I will allow, the winter seems less frigid now. I'm happy with the choices made with lots to do before I fade. I'll leave a list of things undone, without the dreams there is no me, yet winter does not mean I flee. I walk a path to find the sun and strive to thrive until I'm gone and can no longer see the dawn.