Often, these ghosts are depicted as ethereal figures. They might be seen as a wisp of smoke or a faint light. Their appearance is usually associated with the birthing place, like in a dark corner of the room where the birth is taking place, adding to the spooky and mysterious atmosphere of the short story.
They are sometimes portrayed as benevolent beings. They might help the mother during childbirth, guiding her through the difficult process. This could be a way of showing the spiritual support that was thought to exist during this important event in a woman's life.
In other stories, they can be more menacing. For example, a childbirth spirit ghost might be angry if certain rituals were not followed. They could cause problems during the birth, like making the process longer or more painful. This reflects the importance of following cultural traditions related to childbirth in some societies.
In some short stories, childbirth spirit ghosts can represent a variety of things. They might symbolize the fear and uncertainty associated with childbirth. For example, in certain cultural tales, a spirit might be seen as a protector or a warning of potential danger during the birthing process.
Ghosts in fiction can be either good or bad. In children's stories, they might be friendly and helpful, but in adult horror, they are usually menacing. They are sometimes associated with a specific location or event from their past lives.
Ghosts in science fiction may also be digital entities. With the rise of concepts about artificial intelligence and virtual reality, some stories feature ghosts as programs or data fragments that have somehow gained sentience and are now haunting computer systems or digital landscapes. They could be remnants of deleted software or a new form of digital life that behaves in a ghost - like manner.
Ghosts can also be portrayed as tragic figures. Take Moaning Myrtle for instance. Fanfic might expand on her sad story, showing how her death and her state as a ghost are a result of her unfulfilled desires and the pain she endured while alive. They can add a touch of melancholy to the story.
In short stories, amnesia is often used as a plot device to create mystery. For example, a character wakes up with no memory and has to piece together their identity. It can add an element of suspense as the reader tries to figure out what happened along with the character.
Often, the lack of support within the family is depicted. For instance, when a family member is facing a difficult situation, instead of getting help from the family, they are met with indifference or even criticism. This lack of support is a typical characteristic of dysfunctional families in short stories.
Well, in short stories about love and sex, the portrayal depends on the author's intention and the time period. In older short stories, sex was more often alluded to rather than directly stated. Love was often the central theme, and sex was part of the more private, unspoken aspects of the relationship. Newer short stories might be more open about exploring the physical aspect of a relationship in the context of love, but still, it's not always about graphic descriptions. It's more about how the physical and emotional aspects interact within the story.
Often, alcoholism is portrayed as a form of escapism in short stories. Characters turn to alcohol to avoid facing their problems, whether it's a failing relationship or financial difficulties. It's a quick fix that ultimately leads to more problems.
They are often portrayed as outcasts. Society in the short stories shuns them for their actions or situations that are deemed inappropriate. For example, they might be depicted as living on the fringes, with a sense of loneliness and despair.
In some short stories, premarital sex is portrayed as a form of rebellion. Characters may engage in it to break free from the constraints of traditional values or parental control.