Another theme is space exploration. Many stories might deal with the challenges and wonders of exploring the unknown regions of space, like encountering new life forms or facing the harshness of the cosmos. There are also stories that explore the concept of time, like time travel and how it can disrupt the normal flow of events. These themes are often intertwined with questions about human nature, morality, and the future of our species.
One common theme is the impact of technology on humanity. For example, how new inventions can change the way we live, think, and interact with each other.
One common theme is identity. Since the concept of gender is different, characters often struggle to define themselves. Another is power dynamics. How does gender influence who holds power in society? Also, relationships are a big theme, like how different genders interact romantically or platonically.
Loyalty is a common theme. For example, in stories where friends face difficulties, they stay by each other's side no matter what. Another theme is self - sacrifice. Just like in 'The Gift of the Magi' where the characters sacrifice for their friend's happiness.
Love is a common theme. For example, in stories like 'The Gift of the Magi', it shows selfless love between a couple. Another theme is society and its norms. 'The Lottery' explores the dark side of following traditions blindly. And often, there's the theme of human nature, like in 'A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings' which shows how people react to the unknown and the different.
Identity is another big theme. Lesbian characters often struggle to come to terms with their sexual identity, especially in a society that may not be fully accepting. They might question themselves, face internalized homophobia, and then gradually accept and embrace who they are. Take stories where a young lesbian is trying to figure out her place in the world while hiding her identity from her peers at first.
One common theme is memory. Food often has the power to bring back memories. For example, a character might taste a certain pastry and be instantly transported back to their childhood.
Survival is another theme. Characters in these stories are often faced with difficult choices in order to stay alive during the chaos of the war. They might have to scavenge for food, find shelter, or even betray others. Also, the theme of heroism is explored, not just in the traditional sense of soldiers fighting bravely, but also in the acts of ordinary people who show courage in the face of danger, like hiding Jews from the Nazis.
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.