Another theme is the search for freedom. In novels like 'Native Son', the characters are trapped by social and economic circumstances related to their race. Their quest for freedom is not just physical but also psychological and existential, as they try to break free from the mental shackles of a racist society.
Existential fantasy novels often deal with themes of free will. Characters may struggle with whether they have control over their own destinies or if they are being guided by some external force. The concept of isolation is also common. They might be in a world that is different from others, like in 'The Gormenghast Trilogy' where the characters are in a strange, isolated castle. And then there's the theme of the meaning of life. Characters are constantly seeking purpose, whether it's through a quest or just trying to understand their place in the strange worlds they inhabit. These themes are explored within the fantastical elements such as magic, strange creatures, and otherworldly settings which make the exploration more vivid and thought - provoking.
One common theme is the search for meaning. In these stories, characters often struggle to find purpose in a chaotic or indifferent world. For example, in Kafka's works, the protagonists are constantly facing situations that seem to defy logic and normalcy, making them question their place in the universe. Another theme is isolation. Characters may be physically or emotionally cut off from others, like in 'The Outsider' by Lovecraft. This isolation intensifies the horror as they face their existential fears alone.
Another is 'Native Son' by Richard Wright. This novel shows the struggle of Bigger Thomas, a young black man in Chicago. It's a powerful exploration of how society's constraints and the individual's existential angst interact in the context of race. Bigger's actions are a response to a world that seems to offer him no real options, which is very much an existential concept.
Some of the well - known existential novels include 'The Stranger' by Albert Camus. It explores themes of alienation and the absurdity of life through the character of Meursault. Another is 'Nausea' by Jean - Paul Sartre, which delves into the experience of existence and the feeling of nausea that the protagonist experiences when faced with the contingency of life. 'Crime and Punishment' by Fyodor Dostoevsky can also be considered in this regard as it examines the moral and existential crisis of the main character, Raskolnikov, after he commits a murder.
Another great one is 'Crime and Punishment' by Fyodor Dostoevsky. While not strictly an existentialist novel in the purest sense, it contains many existential themes. Raskolnikov's struggle with his conscience after committing a murder is a profound exploration of guilt, free will, and the search for meaning in a complex world.
One common theme is race. Black female novelists often explore the experience of being black in a predominantly white society, like facing discrimination. Another theme is gender. They show how black women are doubly marginalized as both black and female. Family is also a theme, for example, the complex relationships within black families. For instance, in 'The Color Purple', Celie's relationship with her sister and the abuse she endures from her family are central to the story.
Self - discovery and identity are also prevalent themes. Black women in these novels are often on a journey to find out who they are in a world that tries to define them by their race and gender. In 'Their Eyes Were Watching God', Janie's search for love is also a search for her true self, as she has to break free from the expectations and limitations placed on her as a black woman.
Power dynamics also play a role. For example, in many of her stories, characters may have different levels of power, and how they navigate those relationships is an important part of the plot. In 'Wicked Ties', the power play between the main characters adds depth to the story. And she also likes to include themes of self - discovery. Characters often grow and learn about themselves throughout the course of the novel, like in 'Bound by Honor' where the protagonist discovers more about her own strength and desires as the story unfolds.
One common theme is race. These novels often explore the experiences of being black in a society that may have racial biases. For example, in 'The Hate U Give', the main character faces discrimination and has to find her voice to speak out against injustice. Another theme is identity. Black teen novels like 'Piecing Me Together' show how teens are trying to figure out who they are within their community and in the larger world. Family is also a theme, as in many of these novels, family relationships play an important role in the character's development.
Another common theme is the exploration of human nature. Saul Black likes to dig into the dark corners of the human mind. His characters often have complex personalities and motives, which are influenced by their past experiences and current situations. This exploration of human nature adds depth to his novels and makes them more than just simple crime stories.