One possible theme could be redemption. Transforming a 'mad dog' - like character into a genteel lord implies that the character is being redeemed from their former, less desirable state.
I'm not sure of an exact similar novel off the top of my head. But novels that involve character transformation like 'Great Expectations' could be somewhat related. In 'Great Expectations', Pip goes through a transformation from a poor boy to a gentleman, which has a bit of a parallel in terms of a character changing their status and nature.
The possible themes in 'Turning a Mad Dog into a Young Master' could be diverse. For example, growth is a very likely theme. The transformation from a mad dog to a young master implies a significant growth in character, behavior, and perhaps even in moral values. Another theme could be the power of influence. There could be certain characters or events in the novel that influence the 'mad dog' character to change into a young master. Additionally, the theme of breaking free from one's past could be there. The character may be trying to leave behind their wild and unruly past as a mad dog and embrace a new life as a young master. And finally, the theme of love or friendship could also play a role. Maybe it is through the love of someone or a strong friendship that the character is motivated to change.
Another theme could be related to punishment and redemption. If the girl was turned into a dog as a form of punishment for her wrongdoings, the story could then focus on her journey to redeem herself. She might learn important lessons while in the dog form and strive to become a better person once she is transformed back. For example, she could learn about loyalty and unconditional love from the animals around her. This theme is often used in fables and moral tales.
Well, thinking about it, the main character, the one being transformed, is likely to be complex. He may have a rough exterior but deep down has some good qualities waiting to be uncovered. There might be a female lead as well. She could be the one who first sees the potential in him to become a young master. Maybe she comes from a more refined background and her presence and influence gradually start to change him. And then there are probably side characters, like his friends from his'mad dog' days who either support or resist his new path.
I haven't actually read this novel in detail. But generally, in such a plot, it might involve a transformation of a character's personality from being wild and unruly like a'mad dog' to a refined and noble 'young master'. This could be due to various reasons, such as a change in his living environment, meeting someone special who influences him, or going through some life - changing events.
Another theme could be the chaos that love can bring. 'Mad' often implies a lack of control, so the novel might show how love can disrupt lives, relationships, or a person's sense of self. It could also deal with the idea of forbidden love, where the passion is so strong that it goes against society's norms or expectations.
One possible plot could be that the dog is cursed or has a special encounter that causes it to transform into a human young master. Then it has to adapt to human society, dealing with things like etiquette, family politics and making friends. It might also have some dog - like instincts that create humorous or difficult situations.
It might be that the man made a deal with a witch and broke the terms, causing the transformation. Or it could be a symbol of his inner transformation and represented metaphorically as a physical change into a dog. There could also be a virus or a strange potion involved.
Here are some recommendations for novels with a Mad Dog male protagonist: 1. My Beautiful Concubine 2. "The King's Woman" 3. Servant Seven Seven 4. "I'm a salted fish after marrying Sick Jiao." 5. Huai Jiao 6. "Accidentally Entering the Cage" 7. The Story of Spoiling 8. Golden Partridges 9. "Forgive me, Lord." 10. "The Rebellion Under the Skirt" These novels all had the storyline of the Mad Dog male and female protagonists. I hope these recommendations will meet your needs.
One possible meaning could be isolation. Just as a dog might be seen as an outcast in human society in some ways, a gay person turning into a dog could represent their feeling of being excluded from the mainstream. It could also be about the loss of a human form which is often associated with identity, perhaps reflecting the struggle of a gay person to hold onto their identity in a hostile environment.