There are often young immigrants full of hope and dreams. They might be students trying to get an education or workers looking for a good job. These characters usually face many difficulties but keep striving. For example, in some stories, there are characters who have to work multiple jobs while studying at the same time just to get by. And they also have to deal with the cultural differences and sometimes prejudice from the native - born Americans.
In her short stories, you can also find elderly immigrant characters. They carry with them the old - world traditions and values, which sometimes clash with the new American ways. These characters often act as a link between the past and the present for the younger generations. They might tell stories of the old country, which both comforts and sometimes confuses the younger characters as they try to assimilate into the American culture.
The themes include poverty and social class. In her short stories, she shows how immigrants often faced poverty and the difficulties of climbing the social ladder. Also, the theme of identity is prominent. Her characters are constantly trying to figure out who they are in this new land, with different cultural influences pulling them in various directions.
In 'America and I', Anzia Yezierska depicts the complex relationship between the immigrant narrator and America. The narrator initially idolizes America as a place where all dreams come true. However, as the story progresses, she realizes that the American Dream is not as accessible as she thought. It's a story of disillusionment to some extent. She has to constantly battle against cultural differences and the social hierarchy that exists, which is often not in her favor.
In the story 'America and I', there are several important themes. Firstly, there is the theme of aspiration. The narrator aspires to have a better life in America. Secondly, there is the theme of alienation. She feels alienated from the American society at times due to her immigrant status. And finally, there is the theme of resilience. Despite all the difficulties she faces, she keeps trying to make a place for herself in America, which shows her strong will and resilience.
Black men also feature as characters. Some of them might be struggling with their own identity in a society that has pre - defined roles for them based on their race. There are also older, wiser characters, like grandmothers or aunts, who pass on wisdom and cultural knowledge to the younger generations. They play a crucial role in the family and community structure in her stories.
There are often strong female characters. These women face various challenges, like dealing with sexism in a male - dominated society. They are usually very determined and have a strong sense of self - worth. There are also children characters. They are used to show the innocence and the process of growing up in a difficult environment.
There are often tough, independent men. For example, in many of his Alaskan - set stories, the male characters are strong - willed and used to facing difficulties alone. They are the kind of men who can endure extreme cold and hardship.
In Janelle Monáe's short stories, there are characters that represent the oppressed. These characters are used to highlight the struggles of marginalized groups. There are also some mentor - like characters who guide the main characters through their self - discovery or their fight against injustice. The characters are complex and multi - dimensional, with their own hopes, dreams, and fears.
One common type of character is the dreamer. Rip Van Winkle is a prime example of this. He dreams away his life and wakes up to a world that has changed drastically. There are also the mischievous or trickster characters. In some stories, there are characters who play pranks or deceive others, adding an element of humor and unpredictability to the tales. And we can't forget the historical figures that Irving sometimes includes, which give his stories a sense of authenticity and connection to the past.
Typical characters include middle - aged women. For instance, Olive Kitteridge is a central character in some of her stories. There are also working - class individuals, who are often trying to make ends meet. And then there are the lonely souls, those who seem to be on the outskirts of the community, looking in.
The characters in Countee Cullen's short stories are multi - faceted. There are Black protagonists who are at the center of the narrative, often dealing with the dualities of their identity. They might be educated Blacks who are frustrated by the limited opportunities available to them because of their race. There are also the ordinary Black folk, with their simple joys and sorrows, who add depth and authenticity to the stories. And not just Black characters, there could be some white characters as well, which are used to contrast or highlight the racial dynamics in the stories.