These novels usually depict human nature as adaptable yet fragile. In 'The Road', the father's unwavering love for his son shows the strength of human bonds, but also the lengths people will go to survive, which can sometimes be morally ambiguous. The characters are forced to make difficult choices, and this reveals different aspects of human nature, from selflessness to selfishness.
In 'end of civilization novels', human nature is portrayed as complex. In 'The Stand', some people turn to violence and power - grabbing, while others strive to build a new, better community. It shows that in extreme situations, people's true natures are revealed. In 'A Canticle for Leibowitz', the monks' dedication to preserving knowledge reflects the noble part of human nature, yet there are also those outside the monastery who are still driven by greed and ignorance.
In end of the world novels, human nature is often shown as complex. Some characters become desperate and selfish, like in 'The Road' where people turn to cannibalism. But others show great kindness and self - sacrifice, such as the father in the same book who does everything to protect his son.
These novels also show how desperate situations can bring out the worst in people. For example, in some post - apocalyptic survival novels, people may kill or steal from others just to get enough food or resources to survive. This shows how survival instincts can override moral values in extreme circumstances.
They can also show the capacity for humans to be consumed by a single idea or person. In 'Wuthering Heights', Heathcliff's obsession with Catherine makes him bitter and vengeful towards those around him. It shows how an unrequited or twisted love can warp a person's nature completely. His actions towards the other characters are often cruel and spiteful, all because of his all - consuming obsession.
Dark life novels often portray human nature as flawed. For instance, they might show how people can be easily corrupted by power, as seen in 'Macbeth' by Shakespeare. Macbeth's ambition drives him to commit heinous crimes.
Many'marooned' novels also display the negative side of human nature. In 'Lord of the Flies', the boys marooned on the island quickly turn on each other. The novel shows how without the constraints of society, humans can become savage and cruel, fighting for power and dominance.
In 'black winter novels', the human condition is often portrayed as desperate. People are shown fighting for basic necessities like food and shelter. For example, in 'The Road', the father and son are constantly on the move to find something to eat in a desolate world.
Vampire apocalypse novels usually depict the end of the world as a time when the balance between humans and the supernatural is completely shattered. The vampires are depicted as a scourge that spreads across the land. There is a lot of bloodshed and death. Food supplies become scarce not just because of the vampires attacking, but also because the systems that produce and distribute food break down. The end of the world in these novels is a very gory and violent time, with humans fighting a losing battle against the vampire hordes, and the few survivors are constantly on the run, trying to find a way to either fight back or co - exist with the vampires.
Often, they show chaos. For example, in 'The Walking Dead', there are hordes of zombies everywhere, cities are in ruins, and basic infrastructure has broken down. People are constantly on the run and have to fight for resources like food and shelter.
Apocalyptic light novels often portray the end of the world through various disasters. For example, they might show a world destroyed by magic gone wrong, like in some fantasy - based ones. Or it could be a technological disaster, such as a malfunctioning AI system taking over and causing chaos.