One common theme is the search for true love or passion. In many of these books, characters in unhappy marriages feel a lack of emotional or physical connection, so they look for it elsewhere through affairs. For example, in 'Madame Bovary', Emma is constantly seeking the grand passion she reads about in novels.
Another theme is the consequences of infidelity. Whether it's the breakdown of the marriage, the loss of reputation, or the emotional turmoil of all involved parties. In 'The Bridges of Madison County', the married woman has to make a difficult choice between her family and this newfound love, and the consequences of her decision are explored deeply.
The contrast between the idealized view of marriage and the reality is also a common theme. Often, characters start with certain expectations of marriage, like in 'Anna Karenina', and when those expectations are not met, it leads to dissatisfaction and sometimes affairs as they try to fill the void.
Love and lust is also a prevalent theme. There is often a blurring of the lines between true love and pure physical attraction. In 'The Great Gatsby', Daisy and Gatsby's relationship seems to be a mix of both. Gatsby is in love with the idea of Daisy from his past, and there is a strong element of lust in their connection as well.
Betrayal is also a significant theme. This can be emotional or physical. In some novels, one partner may have an affair, which is a clear sign of a struggling marriage. It shatters the trust that is essential in a relationship and leads to a downward spiral of the marriage.
Love development. Usually, the couple starts off not knowing each other well in an arranged marriage, and the story focuses on how they gradually fall in love. For example, in many books, they start to notice little things about each other that are endearing.
Another great book is 'The Bridges of Madison County' by Robert James Waller. It tells a poignant love story within the context of an affair. The main character, a married woman, has a brief but intense encounter with a photographer that changes her life. It's a beautifully written exploration of love, marriage, and the allure of the unexpected.
One common theme is love and its evolution. In marriage fiction, it often shows how love changes over time, from the initial passion to a deeper, more stable form. Another theme is conflict. Marital problems like financial issues, differences in family values, and communication breakdowns are frequently explored. Also, the theme of growth is present. Characters may grow individually and as a couple, learning to adapt and support each other through various life stages.
Well, infidelity is a common theme. In 'Gone Girl', the idea of cheating and the breakdown of trust is central to the story. Another theme is self - discovery. In 'The Rosie Project', the main character discovers a lot about himself through his relationship and potential marriage to Rosie. Also, power dynamics within a marriage are often explored. In 'The Husband's Secret', the secrets held by the husband give him a certain power over his wife, and when those secrets are revealed, it changes the power dynamic completely.
One of the great books in this genre is 'Madame Bovary' by Gustave Flaubert. It tells the story of Emma Bovary, a woman trapped in a dull marriage who seeks passion and affairs outside it. The novel beautifully explores her desires, disillusionment, and the consequences of her actions.
Well, family expectations are often a big theme. In these fictions, families usually have certain standards for the marriage, like social status or wealth. Then there's the theme of adaptation. The newly - weds need to adapt to living with a stranger. And of course, the theme of power dynamics within the marriage. Sometimes one partner may have more power due to family influence, which can create interesting storylines.
Morality is another big theme. The act of cloning raises many moral questions, like whether it is right to create human - like clones. In 'The House of the Scorpion', we see the moral implications of using clones for various purposes, such as labor and organ donation.
Often, there's the theme of identity. The books might be linked to a person's identity or the identity of an unknown author. In 'The Thirteenth Tale', the mystery of the author's true identity is a central part of the story. Also, the theme of the past haunting the present is common. Old books can bring to light long - forgotten events or wrongdoings that need to be resolved in the present day, like in 'The Shadow of the Wind' where the past events related to the book keep surfacing.