One common theme is colonialism. Novels often depict how colonial powers disrupted African societies, like in 'Things Fall Apart'.
Another theme is cultural identity. African historical fiction novels explore how Africans maintained or lost their cultural identity over time. For example, in many novels, characters struggle with the new values brought by outsiders while trying to hold on to their own traditions. This can be seen in 'Half of a Yellow Sun' where the characters are in a state of flux due to the war and the influence of different cultures.
Betrayal is often seen. For example, in some stories, there are traitors within the military or among the local population who side with the enemy for various reasons. This adds to the tension and drama of the plot. Also, friendship across different nationalities and cultures is a theme. Allied soldiers from different countries form bonds, and sometimes locals also become friends with the soldiers. They help each other in the face of the common enemy, showing that in the chaos of war, human connections can still be made.
Another theme is acceptance. These stories usually depict the journey towards acceptance, both self - acceptance and acceptance by the community. It can be a long and arduous process as they face discrimination and prejudice. In some historical African settings, there were social hierarchies and power dynamics that added to the difficulty of achieving acceptance.
The historical aspect usually involves events like colonialism, independence movements, or tribal wars. These events shape the characters' lives and relationships. For instance, in some novels, characters may fall in love across tribal or colonial divides, which creates complex and interesting plotlines.
The theme of the unknown is also prevalent. In African scary stories, the wilderness, deep forests, and large bodies of water are often depicted as places full of mystery and danger. These are areas where the scary things lurk. Also, there are often moral lessons hidden in these stories. They warn people about things like breaking taboos or not respecting the elders. For instance, a story might tell of a young person who disrespects an old witch - doctor and then faces a terrifying curse as a result.
One common theme is the clash between tradition and modernity. Africa has a rich cultural heritage, and as modern ideas seep in, this often leads to interesting conflicts in stories.
One common theme is love and relationships. In historical settings, love can be complicated by social class, family expectations, and cultural norms. Another theme is power and politics. This can involve struggles between different groups for control of a region or a nation. War is also a common theme, showing the impact on individuals and society.
Common themes in historical fiction include power struggles. This could be between different kingdoms, political parties, or social classes. For instance, in stories about the Tudor period in England, there are often power struggles within the royal family. Cultural clashes are also frequent. When different cultures meet, like during the age of exploration, it creates interesting themes in historical fiction. And then there's the theme of survival. Characters in historical fictions often have to survive in difficult historical circumstances, like a famine or a plague.
One common theme is war. Many historical fictions are set during wars, like the World War II. It shows the impact on individuals, families, and society. Another theme is social change. For example, the Industrial Revolution brought huge changes in people's lives, which historical fictions often explore. Also, love is a frequent theme. Love stories against the backdrop of historical events add a human touch to the story.
The theme of identity is important in historical fiction. Characters might struggle with their national, ethnic, or social identity in a particular historical context. Revolutions are also a theme. These events bring about significant changes and upheavals, and historical fictions can explore the causes and consequences. Additionally, class struggle, such as the conflict between the rich and the poor in historical societies, is a recurring theme.
One common theme is grief. Characters in these fictions often deal with the loss of loved ones in the attacks, like in 'Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close'.