The theme of existential dread is quite prevalent. Ligotti's characters are often faced with situations that make them question their very existence. There's also the theme of the inhuman or the non - human. He creates entities or forces that are beyond human comprehension, like in some of his stories where there are strange, otherworldly beings. And the theme of a malevolent universe is there too. His stories suggest that the world around us may be inherently hostile or indifferent to human suffering.
One of the main themes is the fragility of the human mind. His stories often show how easily the mind can be broken or warped by the strange and terrifying things that happen. Darkness and the abyss are also themes. He explores the idea of the unknown that lurks in the darkness, like in 'The Nightmare Network' where the characters are faced with an unfathomable darkness. Also, the theme of decay is present, not just physical decay but the decay of sanity and the world around us.
The themes he explores are quite unique. He delves deep into the human psyche, often exploring the darker aspects such as madness, despair, and the fear of the unknown. In his stories, you'll find that the characters are often faced with situations that are both surreal and terrifying, which is different from the typical horror stories that rely more on jump scares.
Some of his well - regarded short stories include 'The Frolic'. It's a disturbing tale that delves into the mind of a deranged character. The story has a very eerie atmosphere that Ligotti is known for creating.
One of the best is 'The Nightmare Network'. It weaves a complex narrative about a mysterious network that seems to be connected to people's nightmares. Ligotti's use of language in this story is masterful, making the reader feel as if they are truly immersed in this nightmarish world. His descriptions are vivid and his themes of existential dread are deeply explored.
One characteristic is their often dark and brooding atmosphere. Ligotti has a way of creating a sense of unease and dread. His stories may also feature complex and somewhat alienated characters. For example, in some of his works, the characters are faced with situations that seem to defy normal understanding, which adds to the overall sense of mystery in his short stories.
War and conflict are common themes. Since it's set in a war - torn universe, battles between different factions like the Imperium and Chaos are often depicted.
Another theme could be the exploration of the senses other than sight. Since he is blind, the stories may focus on how he experiences the world through touch, smell, and hearing in a very vivid and detailed way. For instance, he can describe the smell of a flower or the sound of a raindrop in a way that makes the reader truly understand his unique perception of the world.
Since I don't know the exact Shamengwa short stories, it's hard to say. But generally, short stories can explore themes like love, loss, identity, and the human condition.
Power is a common theme. For example, how the king wields his power, whether for good or bad. In many stories, a king might have to make difficult decisions regarding the use of power, like in times of war or when dealing with internal unrest.
One common theme is family. Many short Tamil stories depict the relationships within a family, like the love between parents and children, or the conflicts and reconciliations among siblings. For example, a story might show how a son overcomes his differences with his father through understanding and forgiveness.
One common theme is space exploration. Clarke often writes about the adventures and challenges of traveling in space.