The key themes in American novels are numerous. One important one is the idea of the self - made man or woman, which reflects the American belief in the power of hard work and determination. Many novels also deal with the theme of alienation, where characters feel isolated from society. This can be seen in works like 'Catcher in the Rye'. Another theme is the impact of historical events on individuals and society. American novels often use events such as the Civil War, the Great Depression, or World War II as backdrops to explore how these events shape people's lives, values, and relationships.
In American novels, love and death are often intertwined. For example, in 'The Great Gatsby', Gatsby's love for Daisy is so intense that it almost seems to be a form of obsession. His death at the end can be seen as a result of this unrequited and complex love. The exploration of these themes can also be seen in works like 'To Kill a Mockingbird', where the love of a father for his children is set against the backdrop of a society filled with prejudice and death.
The themes include cultural heritage. Many YA Native American novels, such as 'Elatsoe', explore the rich cultural heritage of Native American tribes. The main character in this book uses her Lipan Apache heritage and powers in her adventures. Another theme is survival. In a world that has often marginalized Native American communities, books like 'Trail of Lightning' show characters fighting to survive in difficult situations, whether it's a post - apocalyptic world or dealing with the aftermath of historical traumas. Additionally, the theme of spirituality is prominent. Native American spiritual beliefs are often woven into the stories, like in 'Firekeeper's Daughter' where Ojibwe spiritual elements are an important part of the narrative.
One common theme is man's struggle for survival. In novels like 'The Call of the Wild', Buck has to fight to survive in the harsh Alaskan wilderness. Another theme is the search for self - discovery. In 'Into the Wild', the main character goes into the wilderness to find himself. Also, the relationship between man and nature is a big theme, like in 'A River Runs Through It' where the characters have a deep connection with the Montana wilderness.
The novel might explore how the idea of the American Dream, which often involves upward mobility and success, is intertwined with the concept of dollars. It could show how characters' values are shaped by their financial situations and their desires for money in the context of this dream. For example, some may sacrifice their ethics in the pursuit of dollars, believing it will lead them to the fulfillment of the American Dream. Others may find that true achievement of the Dream has little to do with the amount of money they have.
One main theme is the complex relationship between love and death. Often, love in American novels can be seen as a force that both defies and is intertwined with death. For example, in some works, characters' love for one another gives them the strength to face death bravely, or their love is cut short by sudden death, highlighting the fragility of human connection.
Power and corruption are also themes. There are often elements of power struggles within the legal system, between different parties involved in the case. And sometimes, there are undertones of corruption that can influence the outcome of the trial.
Well, the main themes in American Criminal Story include power and corruption. There are often powerful figures in the stories who use their influence to manipulate the system. And then there's the theme of morality. It makes you question what's right and wrong in the context of the crimes and the actions of those involved in the legal process. Additionally, it also touches on the theme of redemption in some cases, whether the criminals can be redeemed or not.
Mark Twain is one of the most influential. His works like 'The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn' are iconic and have had a lasting impact on American literature. Another is Ernest Hemingway. His spare writing style and themes of war, love, and loss influenced generations of writers.
One of the key themes could be the exploration of family dynamics. It might show how different family members interact and the conflicts that arise within a family. Another theme could be the examination of American society and its values, perhaps highlighting the flaws and corrections needed in the social fabric.
Some common key themes could be the American Dream, identity, and social class. The American Dream often explores the idea of achieving success through hard work. Identity can be related to race, gender, or cultural heritage in the context of the American experience. Social class shows the disparities and hierarchies within American society.