Guilt is also a big theme. Characters often feel guilty for their actions or inactions, and this guilt haunts them, as seen in stories where someone has caused harm, whether on purpose or by accident. For instance, in 'The Monkey's Paw', the parents' guilt over their son's death due to their wish is palpable.
One common element is loss. For example, the loss of a loved one or a pet, like in the story of the boy and his dog. Another is the unknown. The strange figure in the fog or the half - human creature in the forest creates fear because we don't know what they are. And a sense of isolation is also present. The characters are often alone, like the man on the desolate road or the girl in the old house, which makes their situations seem more dire and the sadness and scariness more intense.
One common theme is despair. In short sad stories, characters often find themselves in situations where they see no way out. For instance, the puppy was in a desperate situation trying to survive on the streets. Another theme is regret. The young girl might have regretted not taking better care of her brushes. And then there is the theme of broken hope. The wife of the soldier had her hope of a happy reunion broken.
Isolation is also often seen. A character might be isolated in a strange place or because of a particular situation. Like an old man who lives alone in a big empty house after his family has all passed away. He feels lonely and sad, and there's a sense of being cut off from the world around him. This theme makes the readers feel sympathy for the character.
One common theme is loss. It could be the loss of a loved one, like in many stories where a character mourns the death of a family member or a friend. Another theme is unfulfilled dreams. For example, a character may have dreamed of a great career or a happy marriage but due to various circumstances, it never comes to pass.
One common theme is the unknown. These stories often play on our fear of the things we don't understand, like strange noises in the dark or unexplained apparitions. It makes us feel vulnerable because we can't explain what's going on.
Betrayal can be a theme. In some stories, a character might be betrayed by someone they trust, leading to a scary situation. Also, the theme of fate. In 'The Monkey's Paw', the characters are at the mercy of the paw's strange power, which represents an inescapable fate. And the theme of the dark side of human nature, like in 'Lamb to the Slaughter' where the wife's unexpected violent act shows that people can have a very dark side.
Betrayal often shows up in sad short stories. Imagine a person who is betrayed by their best friend and loses all trust. Disappointment is another theme. For instance, a young athlete who has trained hard all their life but fails to make it to the big competition due to an injury. These themes create the sad atmosphere in the stories. They make the readers feel the pain and sorrow of the characters. In many cases, they also make the readers reflect on the harshness of life.
One common theme is loss. Soldiers often lose their comrades in battle, which is a deeply sad and traumatic experience. Another theme is the sacrifice they make, not just of their lives but also of their time away from family and normal life. For example, a soldier might miss the birth of their child or the last days of a sick relative due to military duties.
Unrequited love is a common theme. For example, in many stories, one person loves another deeply but the feelings are not reciprocated, like in some tales where a character pines away for someone who is in love with someone else.
One common theme is unrequited love. For example, a person loving someone who doesn't feel the same way. Another is separation, like when lovers are forced apart by circumstances such as distance or family. Also, betrayal can be a theme, like when one partner cheats on the other.