One common theme is the exploration of the Dutch Golden Age. This was a time of great prosperity and cultural flourishing, and many works focus on the art, trade, and social life of that period. For example, works set in 17th - century Amsterdam often show the bustling ports and the wealthy merchant class.
The theme of colonialism is also prevalent. Given the Dutch colonial past in places like Indonesia, many historical fictions deal with the experiences of Dutch colonizers, the native people they encountered, and the consequences of colonial rule, such as the exploitation of resources and the cultural clashes that ensued.
Another theme is the impact of religion. The Netherlands has a complex religious history, and historical fictions may explore the Protestant - Catholic divide, the influence of Calvinism on society, and the religious persecutions and tolerances over time. For instance, how different religious beliefs affected family and community relations.
A common theme is friendship. Since they are both European countries, many fanfictions explore how they interact as friends, perhaps sharing cultural experiences or helping each other out in international affairs within the fictional context.
One common theme is love and relationships. In historical settings, love can be complicated by social class, family expectations, and cultural norms. Another theme is power and politics. This can involve struggles between different groups for control of a region or a nation. War is also a common theme, showing the impact on individuals and society.
Common themes in historical fiction include power struggles. This could be between different kingdoms, political parties, or social classes. For instance, in stories about the Tudor period in England, there are often power struggles within the royal family. Cultural clashes are also frequent. When different cultures meet, like during the age of exploration, it creates interesting themes in historical fiction. And then there's the theme of survival. Characters in historical fictions often have to survive in difficult historical circumstances, like a famine or a plague.
One common theme is war. Many historical fictions are set during wars, like the World War II. It shows the impact on individuals, families, and society. Another theme is social change. For example, the Industrial Revolution brought huge changes in people's lives, which historical fictions often explore. Also, love is a frequent theme. Love stories against the backdrop of historical events add a human touch to the story.
The theme of identity is important in historical fiction. Characters might struggle with their national, ethnic, or social identity in a particular historical context. Revolutions are also a theme. These events bring about significant changes and upheavals, and historical fictions can explore the causes and consequences. Additionally, class struggle, such as the conflict between the rich and the poor in historical societies, is a recurring theme.
One common theme is grief. Characters in these fictions often deal with the loss of loved ones in the attacks, like in 'Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close'.
A common theme is friendship. Since both are European countries in the Hetalia world, many fanfictions explore how they become friends, sharing cultural experiences and inside jokes. For example, stories might show them bonding over their love for certain types of food or traditional festivals.
Power struggles are common. In historical fiction, we often see characters vying for power, whether it's political power like in 'A Game of Thrones' (although it's a fictionalized version of a historical - like setting). Cultural clashes are another theme. When different cultures meet, as in books about the colonization era, it creates interesting storylines. And of course, the theme of survival. Characters in historical fictions have to survive in difficult times, like the early settlers in America as portrayed in some books.
One common theme is the exploration of female agency. In lesbian historical fiction, women are often shown taking control of their own lives and relationships in a world that didn't always give them much power. Another is the theme of cultural and historical context. These stories are set in different times and places, and the historical backdrop - like the laws, the social mores, the political climate - all influence the relationships and the characters' experiences. For instance, in some stories set during World War II, the war affects how the lesbian relationships are formed and maintained.
One common theme is the struggle between tradition and modernity. The Amish have very strict traditions, and in historical fiction, you often see characters grappling with outside influences that threaten these traditions. For example, the introduction of new technologies.