Well, these stories typically depict human nature in complex ways. They might show the lengths people will go to for power, as in 'I Have No Mouth, and I Must Scream'. Here, the characters are at the mercy of a cruel AI, and their desperation and power struggles are on full display. At the same time, they can also show great acts of kindness and self - sacrifice. For example, in some stories, characters will share their meager resources with strangers in the hope of rebuilding society, which reflects the better side of human nature.
In post apocalyptic short stories, human nature is often portrayed as adaptable yet vulnerable. Humans are shown to adapt to the harsh new environments, whether it's a radiation - filled wasteland or a flooded world. However, they are also vulnerable to their own fears and desires. For instance, in 'The Veldt', the children's excessive reliance on technology due to their desires leads to a breakdown in family and society. And in 'All Summer in a Day', the children's jealousy towards the girl who has seen the sun reflects the more negative aspects of human nature in a post - apocalyptic - like setting.
Post apocalyptic short stories often show human nature as both resilient and desperate. In many of these stories, people fight to survive, like in 'The Road' where the father will do anything to protect his son. But there's also the dark side, such as in 'Lord of the Flies' - like situations where people turn on each other when society's rules break down.
Well, these stories usually portray human nature in complex ways. They might show how desperation can lead to both heroism and villainy. For example, in 'I Am Legend', the main character is both a survivor trying to find a cure but also has to fight off the 'monsters' which were once human. People in these stories can be very resourceful, like building shelters and finding food, but also very cruel when resources are scarce. It's all about survival and how different people react to the extreme situation of a post - apocalyptic world.
Survival novels often show the extreme sides of human nature. In difficult survival situations, some characters may become selfish and ruthless, like in 'Lord of the Flies' where the boys turn on each other. But others may show great resilience and kindness, for example, in 'The Hunger Games' where Katniss shows her compassion towards others in the arena.
Great post apocalyptic fiction often shows human nature in extreme situations. For example, in 'The Road', we see the father's unwavering love for his son, which represents the good side of human nature. But at the same time, there are also those who turn to cannibalism, showing the dark side. In general, it shows that in a post - apocalyptic world, human nature can be both a source of hope and a cause of despair.
They often show a world in ruins. Buildings are crumbling, and nature has started to reclaim the land. For example, in many such novels, you'll see overgrown cities with vines covering skyscrapers.
Science fiction post - apocalyptic novels usually paint a picture of a changed humanity. In novels like 'The Stand', there is a battle between the forces of good and evil among the survivors. It shows that even in the face of destruction, humanity still has a moral compass, though it may be distorted. Some novels also show how new forms of culture and language can emerge in these post - apocalyptic societies as people adapt to the new conditions and try to make sense of the world that's left.
They might depict a more primitive form of human society. In post - apocalyptic novels, people may have to rely on basic survival skills, like hunting and gathering, which was common in pre - modern human societies. This is seen in many such novels where characters struggle to find food and shelter without the infrastructure of the pre - apocalypse world.
Apocalyptic horror stories often show the extremes of human nature. In these situations, some people become selfish and will do anything to survive, like hoarding resources. For example, in 'The Day of the Triffids', some characters are only concerned with their own safety. But others show great kindness and self - sacrifice. In 'The Stand', there are characters who risk their lives to help others in the post - apocalyptic world. It shows that in the face of the end, human nature can be both dark and light.
These stories show that in desperate situations, some people will turn to violence and survival at all costs, like in 'Mad Max' - related stories. However, others will strive to rebuild society and hold onto values. In 'A Canticle for Leibowitz', the monks are trying to preserve knowledge and culture in a world that has been shattered by nuclear war.
Post nuclear war stories often show the extremes of human nature. In these stories, we can see the survival instinct kicking in. People will do whatever it takes to stay alive, whether it's hoarding resources or fighting off others. But at the same time, we also see acts of kindness and self - sacrifice. For example, in 'The Road', the father constantly protects his son at great cost to himself, which shows the selfless side of human nature.
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.