Love and conflict are common themes. In many relative - focused short stories, there's often love between family members, but also conflicts due to differences in values, like in 'Everyday Use'. Another theme is sacrifice. As seen in 'The Gift of the Magi', family members are willing to sacrifice for each other. Also, family secrets can be a theme, as in 'A Rose for Emily' where there are hidden aspects of Emily's family life that are gradually revealed.
Identity within the family is a common theme. Relatives often struggle with their identity in relation to the family. Are they the black sheep? The favorite? This is seen in various stories. Another theme is the passage of time and how it affects family relationships. As time passes, relationships can change, grow stronger or more distant. For instance, in some stories, a long - lost relative returns after many years and the family has to re - adjust. And of course, the theme of forgiveness. In family relationships, there are often misunderstandings and wrongdoings, and forgiveness (or the lack of it) can play a big role in the story's outcome.
One common theme is inheritance. This can be in terms of physical inheritance like property or family heirlooms, or in terms of values and traditions. For example, in some stories, there are disputes among relatives over who gets what when a family member passes away. Another theme is loyalty and betrayal. Sometimes relatives may betray each other's trust for personal gain, or they can show extreme loyalty even in difficult situations. Social status within the family is also a theme. In stories, we often see how different relatives are affected by their social standing within the family unit, like in 'The Necklace' where Mathilde is so concerned about her appearance and status among her peers and relatives.
Another common theme is the exploration of human nature. In 'A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings', we can see different aspects of human nature such as kindness and cruelty through the villagers' treatment of the strange old man.
Another common theme is probably self - discovery. Characters in the stories might embark on a journey, either literally or metaphorically, to find out more about themselves. For example, they may face difficult situations that force them to reevaluate who they are and what they want in life. This is a very relatable theme as many people go through similar experiences in real life.
Love is a very common theme. It can be romantic love, love between family members or friends. Another one is the struggle for survival. Characters often face difficult situations and have to fight to survive. And then, there's the theme of self - discovery. Characters learn more about themselves through their experiences.
One common theme could be the struggle for identity. In many short stories, characters are often trying to figure out who they are in the face of various challenges, like in 'The Yellow Wallpaper' where the female protagonist is struggling between her own sense of self and the restrictions placed on her by society. Another common theme might be the exploration of human relationships. For example, in some stories, we see how friendships are tested or how family dynamics can be complex and change over time.
Fear of the unknown is a big theme. In 'The Call of Cthulhu' by H.P. Lovecraft, the characters are faced with a terrifying, unknowable entity. Guilt is another theme. In 'The Tell - Tale Heart', the narrator's guilt over his actions drives him to insanity. Revenge can also be a theme, like in some stories where the dead come back to take revenge on the living.
Love and sacrifice is a common theme. Just like in 'The Gift of the Magi', the couple sacrifices their most precious possessions for each other. Another theme is unrequited love, as seen in some stories where one person loves another but the feeling isn't fully reciprocated.
Common themes include the teacher's passion for teaching English. This passion is contagious and spreads to the students. Another is the idea of the teacher as a problem - solver, whether it's dealing with a student's lack of confidence or a classroom management issue. And of course, the celebration of the English language itself, with the teacher as the guide to its beauty and power, is a typical theme.
Common themes include friendship. For example, stories about two friends helping each other out. Another one is kindness, like people being nice to strangers. Also, discovery, such as a child finding a new place in the neighborhood.
The theme of hope is very common. In short motivational stories, characters are often in difficult situations but they never lose hope. For instance, a person who is unemployed but still hopes to find a great job and finally does through their efforts. Another common theme is the power of positive thinking. Characters who think positively are more likely to overcome obstacles. And of course, the theme of growth, where the character grows and develops into a better version of themselves through their experiences.
One common theme is the supernatural. Stories often involve ghosts, vampires, or other otherworldly creatures. For example, in 'Dracula's Guest' which is related to the Dracula story, the supernatural element of the vampire is very prominent.