Yes, sonnets are a popular form of poetry commonly associated with themes of love, but they can also explore a wide range of topics, from nature to politics to personal reflections. Shakespeare's sonnets, for example, cover various themes beyond love, such as time, beauty, and mortality.
Sonnets were originally written as a form of poetry to explore themes of love, beauty, and nature. They provided a structured framework for poets to express their emotions and ideas concisely with a specific rhyme scheme and meter. Sonnets continue to be popular due to their lyrical and emotive qualities.
Walter Lowenfels has written: 'Sonnets of love and liberty ...'
They don't have to be; but it is understandable that people might think of them that way. The reason is that throughout history, some of the most famous sonnets have been about love, especially certain sonnets written by William Shakespeare. Among Shakespeare's many sonnets about love are Sonnet 18 ("Shall I Compare Thee to a Summer's Day"), Sonnet 105 ("Let Not My Love Be Called Idolatry"), and Sonnet 130 ("My Mistress' Eyes Are Nothing Like the Sun"). I enclose a link to a site that has all of his sonnets.
Sonnets tend to be about love and/or nature.
Love Sonnets - 1994 is rated/received certificates of: Belgium:KT
William Shakespeare is known for basing his sonnets on the love of his future wife in the collection of sonnets dedicated to a young man and a mysterious dark lady. These sonnets explore themes of love, beauty, and the passage of time.
The official name for the line scheme in which sonnets are written is typically referred to as "sonnet form." Sonnets commonly follow a specific structure, such as the Shakespearean (or English) sonnet with three quatrains and a final couplet, or the Petrarchan (or Italian) sonnet with an octave and a sestet.
Philip J. T. Martin has written: 'Shakespeare's sonnets; self, love and art' -- subject(s): English Love poetry, English Sonnets, History and criticism, Poetry, Psychological aspects, Psychological aspects of Poetry, Self in literature
Lawrence McDonald has written: 'Songs and sonnets' -- subject- s -: Sonnets
Edward Jones has written: 'Milton's sonnets' -- subject(s): Bibliography, English Sonnets, History and criticism, Sonnets, English
Sonnets which are written in English are always written in iambic pentameter. Sonnets in other languages, not necessarily (e.g. El Desdichado by Gérard de Nerval).
Ethel Paxson has written: 'My love affair with Brazil' -- subject(s): Social life and customs 'Sonnets and other poems'