One common theme is the supernatural. In many strange old short stories like 'The Monkey's Paw', there are elements that go beyond the natural world. Another theme is madness, as seen in 'The Tell - Tale Heart'. Also, death and the afterlife are often explored, for example in 'The Masque of the Red Death'.
Well, a lot of them deal with moral lessons. For instance, in 'The Cask of Amontillado', it shows the consequences of revenge. Mystery is also a big theme. Take 'The Legend of Sleepy Hollow', the identity and nature of the Headless Horseman are mysterious. And then there's the theme of isolation, like in 'The Yellow Wallpaper' where the woman is isolated and it affects her mental state.
One common theme is revenge. Ghosts often return to seek revenge on those who wronged them in life. For example, in many stories, a murdered person may come back as a ghost to punish the murderer.
One common theme is wisdom. Old ladies in short stories are often depicted as very wise, having lived through many experiences and able to offer valuable advice. For example, in many folk tales, the old lady is the one who guides the young protagonist out of trouble.
Another theme is mortality. Since old men are closer to the end of their lives, stories about them can explore the idea of death, like how they face it or what they leave behind. In 'The Old Man and the Sea', the old man's struggle can be seen as a fight against his own mortality in a way.
The theme of redemption is also present. There are stories where a cowboy who has made mistakes in his past tries to make up for it. Maybe he was a bandit before, but then he decides to turn his life around and become a better person. This shows that even in the rough world of cowboys, there was room for change and growth.
One common theme is the supernatural. Stories often feature ghosts, vampires, or otherworldly creatures like in 'The Legend of Sleepy Hollow' with the Headless Horseman. Another theme is madness, as seen in 'The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde' where a man battles his inner evil that drives him to insanity.
One common theme is karma. Many stories show how one's actions have consequences, either in this life or the next. For example, if a character is cruel, they will face a bad end.
Reflection is also a common theme. Old age gives characters time to look back on their lives. In stories like 'A Christmas Memory' by Truman Capote, the older character reflects on past Christmases and the relationship with a young boy. Loneliness is another theme. As people get older, they may lose friends and family, and this is shown in many short stories where old characters are isolated. For instance, in some of Katherine Mansfield's short stories about old people.
A sense of nostalgia is quite common. The old characters remember the good old days, like their youth or a particular time in their lives. They might be reminiscing about first loves, old friendships, or a place they used to live. And sometimes, there is a theme of acceptance, where the old character finally comes to terms with their life as it is, with all its flaws and joys.
Love is a common theme. It can be romantic love between a couple or deep platonic love between friends. This love is what sustains the characters as they age.
One common theme is the concept of the frontier and the challenges of taming the wild west. Cowboys often face difficulties like harsh weather, outlaws, and scarce resources. Another theme is honor. Characters in these stories usually uphold a code of honor, whether it's in a gunfight or in dealing with others in the community. Also, the theme of survival is prominent. People had to find ways to survive in a tough environment, which makes for exciting and engaging stories.