Poverty and the inability to achieve one's dreams is also a common theme. As we saw in the story of the girl who wanted to be a teacher but couldn't because of her family's financial situation. Poverty often stands in the way of people's hopes and aspirations in Marathi sad stories.
Another theme is the loss of family. For instance, a family member might die suddenly or go missing. This leaves the remaining family members in a state of grief and despair, like in the story of the old man waiting for his son.
Common themes include social norms and traditions. Marathi culture has certain traditions that can come in the way of love. For instance, arranged marriages are the norm in many cases. So, when a couple falls in love on their own, it often clashes with the traditional way of getting married. Another theme is the lack of communication. Sometimes, due to family restrictions or other factors, lovers are not able to communicate effectively, which leads to misunderstandings and ultimately a sad end to their love story. Fate also plays a role in some stories, where no matter how much the couple tries, external forces seem to be against them.
Another theme is separation due to circumstances. This could be because of a job transfer like in the story where the boy had to move to another city for work, leaving his love behind. Or it could be due to some external forces like natural disasters or war that separate the lovers.
Family values are a common theme. Many Marathi stories revolve around the relationships within a family, like the bond between parents and children, siblings etc. For example, stories might show how family members support each other during tough times.
Supernatural elements are very common. Things like ghosts, spirits, and curses often feature. For example, in many stories, a vengeful spirit haunts a place due to some past injustice.
One common theme is the struggle for acceptance. In Marathi society, which has traditional values, gay individuals often face challenges in getting their families and the community to accept them. Another theme is love and relationships. These stories show that love is the same regardless of gender, and gay characters in Marathi gay stories experience the same joys and pains in love as anyone else.
A frequent theme is the cycle of life. In Marathi animal stories, we can see how animals are born, grow, face challenges, and sometimes die. Also, friendship is a big theme. There are stories of animals becoming friends and helping each other out in difficult situations. For instance, a deer and a monkey might become friends and share food and shelter during hard times.
Another theme is the desolate or haunted locations. Old forts, abandoned houses, and lonely graveyards are often the settings in Marathi horror stories. These places are depicted as having an eerie presence, and when the characters enter these places, they are met with all kinds of terrifying experiences. For instance, in a story set in an old fort, the protagonist might hear strange noises, see apparitions, and feel a sense of being watched all the time.
Loss is a very common theme. It could be the loss of a loved one, like a family member or a dear friend. Another theme is unrequited love, where someone loves another but that love is not returned. Also, failure can be a theme, for example, failing to achieve one's dreams or goals in life.
One popular theme is family values. Marathi stories often depict the importance of family bonds, respect for elders, and the unity within a family. Another common theme is the celebration of festivals. They beautifully portray the cultural and religious festivals of Maharashtra.
One common theme is the concept of sacrifice. Lovers often sacrifice their own desires for the sake of their beloved or for a greater good in Marathi romantic literature.