A sense of isolation can also be a theme. If there's a major malfunction in a remote location, like a lighthouse, the keeper is isolated and has to deal with the malfunction alone, facing the elements and the potential collapse of the structure without immediate help.
It might focus on survival or problem-solving. Maybe it's about how people cope when technology fails and they have to rely on their wits.
One famous 'a major malfunction short story' could be about a spaceship. There was a major malfunction in its navigation system. The crew had to quickly figure out how to fix it while being in deep space. They used their wits and some makeshift tools to get the system back online just in time to avoid crashing into an asteroid.
The themes in major American short stories are quite diverse. There is the theme of the frontier spirit, which was very important in the early days of America. It represents the idea of exploration, adventure, and the unknown. Social inequality is another big theme. Writers often show how different classes or races are treated unfairly. And then there is the theme of moral ambiguity. Characters are not always clearly good or bad, but rather exist in a gray area, which makes the stories more complex and thought - provoking.
One common theme could be change. Since 'by and by' implies the passage of time, stories might focus on how characters or situations change over time. For example, a character might start off naive and become wise as the story progresses.
Love is a very common theme. It can be romantic love, like in stories where two characters overcome obstacles to be together. Another common theme is friendship. Stories often show how friends support each other through difficult times. Also, the theme of death and loss is frequently explored, where characters deal with the pain of losing someone or something dear to them.
Love, friendship, and self-discovery are common themes. These often form the core of many short stories, exploring the human experience in various ways.
The theme of isolation is often present. Superhumans may feel alone because they are different from ordinary people. They might not be able to fully share their experiences with others. Another common theme is the fight against injustice. They use their extraordinary abilities to right wrongs, whether it's taking on corrupt governments or powerful criminals who are causing harm to the innocent.
Isolation is a key theme. Many short gothic stories are set in isolated places such as old mansions or desolate moors. This isolation creates a sense of fear and unease. Also, madness is a theme. Characters may go insane due to the strange and terrifying events around them, like in 'The Yellow Wallpaper' where the main character's confinement leads to her descent into madness.
One common theme is perception. Since the characters are blind, it makes readers think about how we perceive the world through different senses. For example, in many stories, the blind character might have a heightened sense of hearing or touch.
One common theme is temptation. The sirens' song is a form of temptation that leads characters into danger. Another is the power of beauty. Sirens are often described as extremely beautiful, and this beauty is used as a weapon. Also, there's the theme of survival. Characters in the story usually have to find a way to survive the encounter with the sirens.