The sonnet was invented by Jacopo da Lentini, a Sicilian poet at the court of Frederick II, Holy Roman Emperor. The form quickly became popular in Italy, especially in Florence, where poets like Petrarch and Dante further developed and popularized it.
Here's a breakdown of why the sonnet is considered Italian in origin:
* Originator: Jacopo da Lentini is recognized as the creator of the sonnet.
* Early Development: The form was primarily cultivated in Italy, particularly in Sicily and later in Florence.
* Key Figures: Petrarch and Dante, both Italian poets, are key figures in the history of the sonnet and helped to establish its structure and conventions.
* Influence: The sonnet spread from Italy to other European countries, but its roots firmly lie in Italian poetry.