Another theme could be family dynamics. In 'the mother short story', it may depict the relationships within a family, such as the mother's role in relation to other family members. This could include her interactions with her spouse, if there is one, and how she navigates family conflicts or joys.
In the 'my mother was a monster short story', the mother's character might be complex. She could be seen as a 'monster' perhaps due to her strictness, or some actions that made the narrator feel oppressed. Maybe she was over - controlling, which made the relationship with her child seem like that of a 'monster' and its victim.
Well, in 'roughing it short story', there's a theme of survival. The characters are 'roughing it' which implies they have to deal with difficulties related to food, shelter, and safety. Also, there could be a theme of friendship as they rely on each other during their tough times.
One of the main themes could be temptation. The devil often represents the source of alluring people towards wrongdoings. Another theme might be the battle between good and evil, as the presence of the devil in the story would create a conflict with the forces of good, whether it be the characters' moral compasses or a more abstract concept of goodness in the story's world.
One of the main themes could be remorse. The characters might experience guilt over past actions, which drives the plot forward. Maybe it's about moral transgressions and the inner turmoil that follows.
One of the main themes could be power. The gun often represents power in a story. It can give a character a sense of control or dominance over others. Another theme might be danger. Guns are inherently dangerous, and this could be explored through the events in the story, like the potential for harm or death. Also, it could touch on moral issues. For example, how the character who wields the gun decides to use it - whether for good or bad can raise questions about morality.
The theme could be about motherly love. In many short stories with a mother as the central figure, it often explores the deep, unconditional love a mother has for her children. This might be shown through her sacrifices, her constant worry, and her efforts to protect and guide her kids.
The short story 'My Mother Was a Monster' might explore themes like complex family relationships. It could be that the mother is seen as a'monster' due to her strictness, or perhaps she has some unusual behavior that the narrator perceives as monstrous. Maybe she is overprotective and that restricts the narrator's freedom, making her seem like a monster in the eyes of a growing child.
Well, without actually reading the story, it's hard to fully analyze it. But generally, if there's an 'evil mother' in the story, it might explore themes like a difficult family relationship, perhaps the mother being cruel, controlling or neglectful. Maybe it shows the impact of such a negative parental figure on the main character's life, growth and mental state.
Since we lack the details of the 1955 short story, we can make some educated guesses. Given Walker's oeuvre, themes of social injustice might be present. It could be about the unequal treatment of African - Americans, perhaps in the form of segregation or discrimination in employment. Another possible theme could be family, how families in the African - American community coped with the external pressures and maintained their unity. Also, the theme of self - discovery might be there, as characters often strive to find their place in a world that tries to limit them.
In the 'a new man short story', the themes are likely to be multi - faceted. Firstly, there could be a theme of redemption. If the man was in a bad place before, he might be seeking to redeem himself. Secondly, relationships play a role. His interactions with others could be a factor in his becoming a new man. Also, the theme of adaptation is possible. He has to adapt to his new state of being, whether it's a new mindset, lifestyle or social role.