Does italian sonnet differ from shakespearean sonnet

Yes! the italian sonnet, also referred to as the petrarchan sonnet, and the shakespearean sonnet have several differences, the biggest of which being rhyme scheme and structure.

italian sonnets have a rhyme scheme which follows ABBAABBA CDECDE. with this, you'll see that the rhymes are split into 8 and 6, respectively. the structure of an italian sonnet is an octave followed by a sestet; the octave usually usually gives you an issue or a thought, and the sestet usually works to resolve it.

shakespearean sonnets, however, have a rhyme scheme that probably looks a little more familiar: ABAB CDCD EFEF GG. the rhymes in these are usually easier to follow. they're are split off into three quatrains followed by a rhyming couplet that closes out the sonnet with a sense of finality. an easy example is the prologue to romeo and juliet. these sonnets usually have a problem unfolding within the quatrains, then the couplet at the end packs you with a brief resolution.