Social change and upheaval. Given the historical events in the Indian subcontinent, such as the partition, many adult Urdu novels deal with how society was transformed. How people had to adapt to new political and geographical boundaries, and how it affected their traditional ways of life.
Spirituality also finds its place. Some novels explore the characters' spiritual journey, their search for meaning in life. It could be in the context of religious beliefs and practices prevalent in the Urdu - speaking regions, or it could be a more general exploration of the human spirit.
One common theme is self - discovery. Young LGBT characters often have to figure out their sexual orientation or gender identity, like in 'Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe'. Another theme is acceptance, both self - acceptance and acceptance from family and friends. In 'Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda', Simon struggles with coming out to his family and friends. Also, love and relationships are important themes. Whether it's first love like in 'Leah on the Offbeat' or the complex relationships in 'I'll Give You the Sun', these novels explore different forms of love within the LGBT context.
One common theme is moral values. For example, stories often teach about the importance of honesty, kindness, and hard work. Another theme is love and relationships. This can include romantic love, family love, or friendship. In many stories, characters face challenges in their relationships and have to learn to overcome them. Also, the theme of self - discovery is quite prevalent. Characters go on a journey, either literally or metaphorically, to find out who they really are.
One common theme is redemption. Just like in 'A Christmas Carol', the main character Scrooge is redeemed through the experiences with the spirits. Another theme is love and family. Many stories show the importance of family bonds during Christmas, like in 'The Gift of the Magi' where the couple's love is expressed through their selfless acts. Nostalgia is also a theme, as Christmas often brings back memories and a longing for the past.
History is a common theme. For example, in her works about Cuba, she explores the country's complex history of independence and the different cultures that have influenced it.
Identity is a common theme. Young LGBT characters are often on a journey to figure out who they are in terms of their sexual orientation and gender identity. Another theme is acceptance, both self - acceptance and acceptance from family and friends. Love is also a big theme, whether it's first love or the search for a romantic partner.
The theme of generosity is often present. Many adult Christmas short stories show characters being generous, either with their time, money or emotions. Also, the idea of hope is explored. Stories set during Christmas can give a sense of hope, especially if they involve characters in difficult situations who find something positive during the Christmas season. For instance, in some stories, a lonely person might find friendship or a new sense of purpose during Christmas.
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.
In Neil Gaiman's young adult fiction, themes of growing up are prevalent. For instance, in 'The Graveyard Book', Bod experiences different stages of growth while living in an unusual place. The theme of facing one's fears is also there. 'Coraline' is a prime example as she has to confront her fears in the other world. And the theme of magic and wonder, which is all over 'Stardust' as it presents a world full of magical elements.
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.