Self - discovery is a common theme. As young characters grow up, they start to understand their own bodies and desires, which can be seen as sexy in a sense. For example, in many stories, a young girl might realize her own attractiveness for the first time.
Rebellion can be another theme. Young people in these stories often rebel against the norms of society or their families as they come into their own. This can be related to their new - found sexual awareness. For instance, a girl might start dressing in a more revealing way to assert her independence, which is both a sign of coming - of - age and has a'sexy' connotation.
Family also plays a crucial role. It can be a source of support or conflict. In some stories, like 'Moonlight', Chiron's relationship with his mother and the surrogate father - figure in his life greatly impact his coming - of - age journey. The family dynamics can be complex and shape the character's growth.
The theme of growing up and facing reality is prevalent. For instance, in 'To Build a Fire', the man has to face the unforgiving nature which is a harsh reality. Rebellion can also be a theme, like Holden Caulfield's rebellion against the adult world in 'The Catcher in the Rye'. And the theme of first love or romantic awakening is common too, as seen in 'Araby' where the boy experiences his first feelings of love.
Isolation is also a theme sometimes. Young gay characters may feel isolated from their peers because of their sexual orientation. However, through their love stories, they often find a connection that helps them break out of that isolation. For instance, in Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe, Aristotle at first feels alone until he meets Dante and they start to build their relationship.
Well, fear of the unknown is a biggie. When you're coming of age, there's a whole world out there that you don't understand yet, and horror stories play on that. Isolation is another. Maybe the teen or young adult gets separated from their friends or family and has to face the horror alone. And then there's the theme of transformation. The character might start off as a normal kid but then something in the horror experience changes them, either physically or mentally, into someone different.
Another common theme is the struggle against society's norms. In many coming of age gay love stories, the characters have to face the fact that their love may not be accepted by the broader society. They have to find the strength to be true to themselves and their feelings despite the potential opposition.
Another theme is dealing with change. This could be changes in family dynamics like a divorce or a new sibling. Young people have to adapt to these new situations, which often leads to growth. For example, a child whose parents get divorced may initially be very sad and confused but over time learns to be more independent and understanding.
One common theme is self - discovery. In these stories, the main characters often start off not really knowing who they are and through their experiences, they figure it out. Another theme is friendship. Friends play a big role in helping the characters grow and understand things. Love is also a theme, whether it's family love or romantic love.
Family relationships are also a major theme. There could be stories of resolving conflicts within the family. Like two siblings who always argue but finally learn to understand and respect each other as they come of age. Or a child learning to forgive a parent for a past mistake.
Identity is a very common theme. These stories often show the struggle of the main character to understand and accept their gay identity. For example, in many stories, the character may initially be confused or in denial. Another common theme is first love. It could be a beautiful and sometimes painful experience as they navigate relationships with other boys. Also, family acceptance or lack thereof is often explored. Some families are supportive, while others may be a source of conflict.
Some common themes include self - discovery, dealing with relationships (like friendships and romantic relationships), and finding one's place in the world. For example, in 'The Bell Jar', Esther Greenwood is on a journey of self - discovery as she struggles with her identity and her place in society.