A theme of redemption could also be present. Perhaps Herman did something bad in his life and now as a ghost, he is trying to make amends for his actions. This could involve helping the living or protecting a certain place from other evil forces.
Another theme could be lost love. Maybe Herman had a lover in his past life and he is now a ghost still longing for that person. The story could be about his attempts to reunite with his love, even in the afterlife.
I'm not sure of the specific 'Herman the German Ghost Story' in detail. It could be a local or less - known tale. Maybe it's about a ghost named Herman from Germany who haunts a particular place, like an old castle or a forest, scaring the locals with his spooky apparitions.
One possible theme could be self - discovery. Herman might be on a journey to find out who he really is.
One possible theme could be guilt. Given Germany's complex history, especially during the World War II era, the novel might explore the collective or individual guilt of Germans. Another theme could be redemption. Characters might be seeking to atone for past wrongs or find a way to move forward in a morally complex world.
Another theme could be fear. Ghost stories are often about creating fear, and in '222 the ghost story', the unknown elements related to '222' might be used to instill fear in the readers or listeners. For example, if the ghost always haunts at 2:22, that specific time can be a source of fear. Also, the presence of the ghost in the story would naturally bring a sense of dread and unease.
One common theme is the idea of judgment. Just like in the story of the Belsnickel, there is a sense of characters being judged for their behavior during the Christmas season. Good behavior is rewarded, and bad behavior is punished.
One possible theme could be redemption. If the ghost, Blackwelder, had made some mistakes in life, its mission in the afterlife could be about redeeming itself.
One possible theme could be isolation. If the boy is a ghost or has ghost - like qualities, he might be isolated from the normal world.
One possible theme could be revenge. If the ghost in the story is that of someone who was wronged, they might be seeking revenge on those who caused their misfortune.
One possible theme could be fear. Since it's a ghost story, Cheryl might be constantly afraid of the unknown and the ghostly apparitions she encounters.
One possible theme could be fear. Ghost stories are often centered around instilling fear in the readers, and if 'windover' is a spooky place, it can be a great source of fear.