In Susan Hill short stories, mortality is a significant theme. She contemplates death and how it affects those left behind. Her stories might show the grief and the process of coming to terms with the loss of a loved one. Additionally, the theme of the supernatural often emerges. Ghosts or otherworldly elements are used to heighten the sense of the unknown and the eerie.
The themes in Susan Hill short stories include isolation. Characters are frequently shown in a state of being alone, either physically or emotionally. This isolation then leads to self - discovery or sometimes a downward spiral. Also, the passage of time is a theme. She shows how time can change people and situations, sometimes in unexpected ways.
Often, there are ordinary people who find themselves in extraordinary situations. For example, a middle - aged woman who discovers something strange in her attic. There are also characters who are haunted by their pasts, like an old man who has a dark secret from his youth.
The past coming back to haunt the present is another theme. In her stories, events from the past, such as old tragedies or secrets, resurface in a ghostly form. This is seen in 'The Small Hand' where the apparition of the small hand might be related to some past event that the main character is unknowingly linked to.
The themes include fear and dread. The novel creates a very spooky atmosphere that instills a sense of fear in the reader. It also touches on the theme of secrets. There are hidden aspects of the past that gradually unfold. And there's the theme of the inescapability of the past. No matter how much the main character tries, he can't escape the grip of what has happened.
In Susan Glaspell's short stories, a common theme is the power dynamics between men and women. Women are often in a position of less power, but they find ways to assert themselves. Morality is also a theme. Characters are faced with moral dilemmas, and their choices show different aspects of human morality. Additionally, the theme of the domestic sphere is prominent. Glaspell delves into the world of the home and family, and how that can be a place of both comfort and conflict.
I think 'The Mist in the Mirror' is also excellent. It tells a story full of mystery and horror. Susan Hill has a way of creating a spooky mood with her descriptions. For example, the way she describes the old, dilapidated houses and the strange noises at night really makes the story come alive.
Their relationship is one of mutual growth. Mr. Lamb helps Derry to see that his appearance doesn't define him. In return, Derry gives Mr. Lamb companionship. They both have their own insecurities and through their relationship, they start to overcome them. For instance, Mr. Lamb's loneliness is alleviated by Derry's presence, and Derry gains more self - confidence from Mr. Lamb's acceptance.
One of the best Susan Hill novels is 'The Woman in Black'. It's a classic horror story that has been adapted into a successful play and movie. The atmosphere she creates is incredibly spooky, with the desolate Eel Marsh House and the mystery surrounding the woman in black.
One of the notable features is the ambiguity. Hill doesn't always clearly explain the nature of the ghosts or the reasons behind their hauntings. This leaves a lot to the reader's imagination and makes the stories even more haunting.
It's a powerful story that explores themes of loneliness and appearance. The two main characters, Mr. Lamb and Derry, both face isolation in different ways. Mr. Lamb has a physical disability and is ostracized, while Derry has a scarred face which makes him feel like an outcast. Through their interactions, they begin to break down the barriers that society has placed on them.
The theme of love and relationships is quite prominent as well. Sontag explored different kinds of love, from passionate romantic love to the complex love within families. Her stories might show the power dynamics, the joys, and the sorrows that come with these relationships. Also, the theme of self - discovery through experiences, whether they are travel - related or personal challenges, is often present in her short stories.