One common theme is man's struggle for survival. In novels like 'The Call of the Wild', Buck has to fight to survive in the harsh Alaskan wilderness. Another theme is the search for self - discovery. In 'Into the Wild', the main character goes into the wilderness to find himself. Also, the relationship between man and nature is a big theme, like in 'A River Runs Through It' where the characters have a deep connection with the Montana wilderness.
The themes in great American wilderness novels are diverse. There's often the idea of the wilderness as a place of renewal. For example, in 'Walden', Thoreau goes to the woods to simplify his life and find a new sense of purpose. Another theme is the taming of the wild. In 'The Pioneers', we see the settlers trying to make the wilderness more habitable. And the theme of isolation is also present. In many of these novels, characters are alone in the vast wilderness, which forces them to confront their inner selves.
In great American wilderness novels, the theme of freedom is frequently explored. The wilderness represents a place where one can be free from the constraints of society, as seen in 'The Bear' where the characters feel a sense of liberation in the Mississippi wilderness. Another important theme is the power of nature. Nature in these novels is often portrayed as a force that can both destroy and create. 'My Ántonia' shows how the Nebraska prairie shapes the lives of the characters. Additionally, the theme of heritage and the connection to the land is explored, like in 'A River Runs Through It' where the family's history is intertwined with the Montana wilderness.
Community spirit is another important theme. African American Christmas novels often show how the community comes together to celebrate the holidays. There could be neighborhood parties, where people share food, stories, and gifts. This sense of community gives a feeling of togetherness and support, which is especially important during the Christmas season.
The themes include cultural heritage. Many YA Native American novels, such as 'Elatsoe', explore the rich cultural heritage of Native American tribes. The main character in this book uses her Lipan Apache heritage and powers in her adventures. Another theme is survival. In a world that has often marginalized Native American communities, books like 'Trail of Lightning' show characters fighting to survive in difficult situations, whether it's a post - apocalyptic world or dealing with the aftermath of historical traumas. Additionally, the theme of spirituality is prominent. Native American spiritual beliefs are often woven into the stories, like in 'Firekeeper's Daughter' where Ojibwe spiritual elements are an important part of the narrative.
Another theme is the exploration of human psychology. James often delves deep into the minds of his characters, showing their desires, insecurities, and moral dilemmas. In 'The Portrait of a Lady', for instance, we see Isabel Archer's internal struggle as she makes decisions about her life, love, and independence. This exploration of the inner self is a key aspect of many James novels.
Jealousy is a big theme too. These novels usually deal with how characters handle jealousy within a polyamorous setup. They might explore different ways of managing those feelings, like through open communication or self - reflection. For instance, in some novels, a character might learn to accept their partner's other relationships by realizing that their own relationship is still special and unique.
One common theme is freedom. These stories often show how the colonists fought for their freedom from British rule. For example, they might depict the hardships they endured to break free from the tyranny of the British monarchy.
One common theme is social injustice. For example, in the case of the Scottsboro Boys, who were nine African - American teenagers falsely accused of raping two white women in 1931. It shows how racial prejudice can lead to a miscarriage of justice.
One common theme is family. In many of her novels, family relationships, whether they are between spouses, parents and children, or siblings, are central. For example, in 'The Sunday Wife', the relationship between the main character and her husband's family plays a crucial role in the story.
I'm not sure about the exact themes in Sol Yurick's novels as he's not a very mainstream author. But perhaps he might explore themes related to human nature, like the struggle between good and evil, or the complexity of relationships.
Mystery is a common theme. His stories usually have some sort of enigma that the characters need to solve.
Love is a common theme. In his works like 'An Equal Music', love is intertwined with the passion for music, showing how relationships are affected by personal passions.