Final answer:
Petrarchan sonnets, primarily written by Petrarch, often dealt with the theme of unrequited love and used this motif as a framework to explore broader issues like religion, identity, and the human experience.
Step-by-step explanation:
Petrarchan sonnets were predominantly written about the theme of unrequited love, a sentiment that is profoundly human and often centers on the expression of the poet’s love for someone who does not reciprocate those feelings. The strict structure of the sonnet, comprising of an octave with the rhyme scheme ABBAABBA and a sestet with varying rhyme schemes, allowed poets like Petrarch to explore deep emotional and philosophical themes. These sonnets often served as a means to discuss other aspects of the human experience, such as religion, self-identity, relationships, and the nature of love itself.
Petrarch, also known as the father of humanism, utilized the sonnet form to articulate the beauty and dignity of humanity, as well as to comment on personal loss and human achievements. The volta, or the turn in thought, typically occurs between the octave and sestet, marking a shift in the thematic direction of the poem.