Redemption can be a theme as well. In some Christmas mystery short stories, a character who has committed a wrong may find a way to redeem themselves during the Christmas season. This could be related to the mystery they are involved in, like they were wrongly accused and through solving the mystery, they prove their innocence and also become a better person.
One common theme is the unknown. In these stories, often there are elements that are not fully understood, like in 'The Yellow Wallpaper' where the nature of the wallpaper's influence on the narrator is a mystery. Another theme is death. For example, in 'The Tell - Tale Heart', the old man's death is at the center of the horror and mystery. And madness, as seen in many Poe stories. The characters' deteriorating mental states add to the horror and mystery.
One common theme is 'the unexpected'. Often, the solution to the mystery is something the reader doesn't anticipate at first.
One common theme is the unknown. For example, in stories like 'The Lottery', the true nature of the lottery is not known until the very end, creating a sense of mystery and fear. Another theme is madness, as seen in 'The Tell - Tale Heart' where the narrator's madness drives the story. Death is also a prevalent theme. In many of these stories, death is either the result of the mystery or a central part of it, like in 'The Monkey's Paw' where the wishes lead to death and misfortune.
Family secrets are also a big theme. During Christmas, families come together, and in mystery fictions like 'Hercule Poirot's Christmas', it's often the family gathering that hides many secrets. The mystery then revolves around uncovering these family secrets that may have been buried for years.
Love is a major theme in Christmas short stories. In 'The Gift of the Magi', Jim and Della's love for each other is so strong that they are willing to sacrifice their most precious possessions. This self - less love is a characteristic that is often emphasized in Christmas stories, as it reflects the spirit of giving that is central to the holiday.
One common theme is the spirit of giving. Christmas is a time when people share and give, whether it's presents or just kindness. Another theme could be family. Many stories might focus on families coming together during this special time.
One common theme is the discovery of secrets. For example, in many stories, the main character uncovers a hidden truth about a person or a place.
Destruction is a common theme. It could be the destruction of the environment, like in stories where pollution or a natural disaster has led to the end of the world. Another theme is the mystery of human survival. How do people cope in a world that's falling apart? And also, there's often the mystery of what caused the end in the first place.
Another theme is discovery. The main characters are often on a journey of discovery, whether it's finding out about a hidden treasure or uncovering a secret about a person or place. In these stories, the fifth - graders learn new things about themselves and the world around them as they solve the mystery. It's like a coming - of - age aspect within the mystery genre.
One common theme is the exploration of the unknown. In these stories, characters often encounter strange phenomena or technologies that they need to figure out. Another theme is the blurring of reality and illusion. For example, in many stories, what seems real at first might turn out to be a complex illusion created by advanced technology or alien forces.