Expectations regarding gender roles can also be a theme. In Vietnamese culture, there are traditional gender roles that may not align with the views of a foreign husband. If the husband expects an equal split of all household and financial responsibilities while the wife has different ideas based on her cultural upbringing, it can lead to problems.
Another theme is language barriers. If the couple doesn't communicate well in a common language, misunderstandings can easily occur. Simple things like household tasks or social plans can get miscommunicated. For example, a miscommunication about who is responsible for cooking dinner can turn into an argument.
Some people may share stories where there are cultural misunderstandings. For example, in some cases, a Western man might not fully understand the importance of family hierarchy in Vietnamese culture when marrying a Vietnamese woman. He could misinterpret her respect for elders as being too submissive to family demands, which can lead to relationship issues.
One common element is the presence of vengeful spirits. For example, in many stories, a spirit is wronged during its lifetime, like a young woman who was mistreated and then comes back to haunt those who wronged her or the place where she died. Another element is the role of nature. Vietnamese horror stories often use elements of nature such as swamps, forests, and old trees as settings for the horror to unfold. These places are seen as having their own energies and can be home to malevolent forces.
One common theme is revenge. Many stories feature ghosts or spirits that are seeking revenge for some wrong that was done to them in life. For example, a person who was unjustly killed will come back as a vengeful spirit.
Nature is also a big theme. Vietnamese children stories often feature beautiful natural landscapes and animals. It shows the connection between humans and nature, like how people depend on nature for their livelihoods. Stories might tell of how a child befriends an animal in the forest and they help each other. This reflects the Vietnamese people's love and respect for nature.
In Vietnamese bedtime stories, a frequent theme is the connection between humans and animals. In the story where the fisherman caught a talking fish, it shows an interaction between a human and an animal. Animals often play important roles, either as helpers or as messengers. Another theme is community. When the young fisherman used the magic pearl to help his village, it emphasizes the importance of the community. And of course, there is the theme of moral lessons. These stories are not just for entertainment but also to teach children right from wrong, good values like honesty and respect.
The idea of unfinished business is also prevalent. Ghosts may stick around because they have something they didn't complete in their earthly life, like a promise they didn't keep or a loved one they didn't say goodbye to. These themes add depth and mystery to Vietnamese ghost stories.
Another theme is protection. Some ghosts are seen as protectors of certain places like old trees or ancestral lands. They may appear to ward off those who would do harm to these areas. For instance, the ghost of an ancient battlefield might protect the land from being desecrated.
One common theme is family. Vietnamese children's stories often emphasize the importance of family bonds, like how family members support and love each other. Another theme is nature. Since Vietnam has rich natural landscapes, stories might include elements such as the rice fields, mountains, and rivers, teaching children to respect and appreciate nature. Also, moral lessons are common, like being honest, kind, and hard - working.
Personality clashes are also quite common. An extroverted wife might find it difficult to fit into a family with introverted members who like a quiet environment. She might keep trying to engage them in social activities which they dislike. On the other hand, an introverted wife in an extroverted family may feel overwhelmed by all the socializing. This mismatch in personalities often results in an uncomfortable and sometimes even hostile living situation during the wife swap.
A common theme is the struggle with cultural identity. Vietnamese Americans often find themselves between two cultures, and novels explore how they navigate this. For example, in 'Monkey Bridge', the main character is constantly trying to balance her Vietnamese heritage with her new American life.