The term "Petrarchan" refers to a style of poetry that originated from the works of the Italian poet Petrarch, particularly his sonnets. This form typically consists of 14 lines divided into two parts: an eight-line stanza called the octave and a six-line stanza known as the sestet. The octave usually presents a problem or emotional state, while the sestet offers a resolution or reflection. Petrarchan sonnets often follow a specific rhyme scheme, commonly ABBAABBA for the octave, and various patterns like CDCDCD or CDECDE for the sestet. This structure allows poets to explore themes of love, beauty, and nature, making it a popular choice in Renaissance literature and beyond.