Community and human relationships are likely themes as well. The stories may explore how people interact with one another, support each other, or sometimes conflict with each other. These relationships shape the characters' lives and the overall narrative of the stories.
One interesting story could be about an ordinary person who discovers a hidden talent within themselves during a difficult time. It shows how people can surprise themselves and those around them.
One main theme is the concept of heritage. It shows different ways of viewing and valuing family heritage, like through the quilts.
One of the main themes could be kindness. Angels are often associated with being kind-hearted, so the novel might explore different acts of kindness. Another theme could be hope. Angels can bring a sense of hope to the characters in the story. Also, self - discovery might be a theme as characters interact with the angel and learn more about themselves.
The main themes are related to struggle and survival. The Boxers are in a struggle against the foreign powers, while the Saints are also in a sort of struggle within their own context. And survival, not just physical but also cultural and spiritual survival, is a big part of what the graphic novel is about. It shows how different groups try to preserve their ways of life and values in a time of great upheaval.
Another theme is family relationships. There's a complex dynamic between Mama, Dee, and Maggie. Dee has distanced herself from her family in some ways due to her pursuit of a different kind of life, while Maggie has stayed close to Mama. The conflict over the quilts also shows the strain in their relationships.
One common theme is persecution for their faith. Like Saint Joan of Arc, they were often targeted because of their religious beliefs. Another theme is sacrifice. Many female saints, such as Saint Perpetua, had to sacrifice their family life or their own safety. Also, physical suffering is a theme. Saint Lucy's eyes being gouged out is an extreme example of the physical pain and torture that female saints in sad stories often endured.
I'm not sure about the main themes in 'and other short stories' as I haven't read it. It could potentially have themes such as friendship, family, or the struggle for survival, which are common in many short story collections.
The themes include transformation, not just Gregor's physical change but also the emotional and psychological changes within the characters. There's a sense of powerlessness, like Gregor who has no control over his new form and his life after the transformation. And the theme of social pressure can be seen. Gregor was working hard to support his family due to the economic and social expectations, and this pressure might be related to his strange transformation.
Well, 'Longing and Other Stories' may have themes like longing for a sense of belonging. In many stories, characters search for a place where they fit in, whether it's in a community or within a family. Also, the passage of time could be a theme. As time goes by, things change, and characters have to deal with the consequences. And love in all its forms, from romantic love to platonic love, might be explored as well.
Human nature is a big theme too. Through the stories about the king and other characters, we can see different aspects of human nature. For example, the king's decisions might show his ambition, greed, or kindness. And the actions of other characters can also reflect on things like envy, courage, and compassion. All these aspects of human nature are likely to be explored in 'the king and other stories'.