Cultural identity is a major theme in French Canadian classic novels. The French - speaking population in Canada has a unique history and heritage. Novels such as 'Pélagie - la - Charrette' explore the Acadian identity, which has been shaped by displacement, survival, and the preservation of their language and traditions in a larger English - speaking Canada.
Family is a common theme. In many novels, like 'The Tin Flute', the family unit is shown in the context of poverty and social struggle, and how family members support or are at odds with each other.
Imagination is also frequently explored. Characters like Anne Shirley have wild imaginations that take them on all sorts of adventures, inspiring children to use their own creativity and think outside the box.
One common theme is colonialism. As seen in 'Noli Me Tangere' and 'El Filibusterismo' which deal with Spanish colonial rule. Another theme is social inequality, like in 'Mga Ibong Mandaragit'. Love and family also feature, for example in some of Nick Joaquin's works.
One common theme is the horror of war. Novels like 'All Quiet on the Western Front' show the brutal and senseless killing, the destruction of lives and landscapes.
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 of the well - known French Canadian classic novels is 'The Tin Flute' by Gabrielle Roy. It offers a vivid portrayal of life in Montreal during the Great Depression.
One common theme is the struggle for identity. French Canadians have a unique cultural heritage, and in historical fiction, you often see characters grappling with their French - Canadian identity within the broader Canadian or North American context.
The connection to the land is also a big theme. Many French Canadian ghost stories are set in specific locations like old buildings, forests or bodies of water. The spirits are often tied to these places. For instance, the ghosts in the haunted lighthouses are guarding the shore, showing a connection to the land and sea. Also, the theme of unfinished business is common. The ghosts stay around because they have something they need to do or resolve.
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.