I think human relationships are a big theme. When facing the last day on earth, the importance of family, friends, and lovers becomes even more crucial. People might cherish or regret their relationships in these stories.
I haven't read Eric Puchner's 'Last Day on Earth Stories' in detail, but generally, such stories often explore themes like mortality, human nature in the face of doom, and the value of our final moments. Maybe it contains various characters' different experiences on what could be their last day, making readers reflect on life.
In a 'Last Day on Earth' short story, themes like hope and hopelessness are quite common. Some characters might hold on to a glimmer of hope that they can somehow survive or that there is a purpose to the end. Meanwhile, others are completely consumed by hopelessness. Also, themes of love and sacrifice can be present. People might sacrifice themselves for their loved ones or for the greater good of humanity in the face of the end.
There are stories where people on their last day on earth choose to help others. For example, a doctor might stay at the hospital, treating patients for free even though they know the end is near. This is about selflessness and making the most of the final time to do good deeds. They leave a positive mark on the world in their last hours.
The themes usually revolve around sustainability. For instance, there are Earth Day stories about promoting renewable energy sources like solar or wind power. Education is also a key theme, as many stories show people learning about environmental issues and then taking action. And of course, nature restoration is a theme too, like stories of restoring wetlands or meadows.
Survival is likely a main theme. Characters probably have to fight against difficult circumstances to stay alive.
The 'dogs last day on earth story' could potentially be a story that focuses on the emotions and significance of a dog's last day. It might start with the dog waking up, not realizing it's its last day. Then as the day progresses, there could be little moments that are special. For example, it might get an extra big meal, or it might go to its favorite spot in the yard one last time. The story could also touch on how the owner is feeling, whether they are sad, trying to make the day memorable for the dog, or both. It could end with the dog passing away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of love and loyalty in the hearts of those who knew it.
The main themes could include love, loss, and self - discovery. In many novels, love often plays a significant role, whether it's romantic love, love between family members or friends. Loss can be about losing someone dear or losing a sense of self. Self - discovery might involve the protagonist finding out who they really are, what they want in life, and how they fit into the world around them.
Common themes in 'last woman on earth stories' include adaptation. She has to adapt to a world that may have lost many of the conveniences and structures of human society. There's also the theme of memory. She might hold onto memories of the past world and the people in it, which could be both a comfort and a source of pain. Moreover, there could be a theme of power, as she is now in a position of extreme power and responsibility over whatever resources are left on the earth.
One common theme is isolation. The last man has no one else around, which can lead to extreme loneliness. Another theme is survival. He has to figure out how to get food, water, and shelter all by himself. And there's often a sense of mystery about what caused everyone else to disappear.
Survival is a big theme. The last man has to figure out how to stay alive without the support of society. This includes things like hunting for food if he's not in a stocked-up place. Another theme is reminiscence. He might constantly think about the past, how life was before he was the last one. And there's the theme of discovery. He could explore places that were previously crowded but are now empty, like big cities.