Love and unrequited love are also big themes. The relationships in the stories are complex and often involve characters loving those who don't love them back, like in 'The Ballad of the Sad Cafe' where the love triangle is full of unfulfilled desires.
Another theme is the strangeness of small - town life. The stories show how in a small - town environment, people's quirks and secrets are magnified and how they interact in a sort of claustrophobic way.
One of the main themes is loneliness. The characters often seem isolated in their small town setting. Another theme is unrequited love, which is quite prominent in the titular story. Also, the concept of human oddities and how society views those who are different is explored.
One of the main themes is loneliness. The characters often seem isolated and struggle with a sense of not truly belonging. Another theme is unrequited love, which is explored in complex ways throughout the stories. Also, the concept of the outsider is prominent, as many of the characters don't fit into the norms of the society they are in.
Miss Amelia is very memorable. Her strong and independent nature, yet her vulnerability in love, makes her stand out. And then there's Cousin Lymon. His small and strange appearance combined with his influence on Miss Amelia is quite striking.
One memorable character is Miss Amelia. She's tough and independent, but also has a vulnerability that makes her interesting. Cousin Lymon is also quite memorable. He's small and has a unique presence that affects those around him. And Marvin Macy, his character adds a lot of drama and tension to the stories with his past actions and his relationships with other characters.
The hunchback in some of the other stories has a certain presence. His physical deformity combined with his role in the stories makes him a character that is hard to forget.
In 'The Sad Story of Henry and Other Stories', a key theme is surely sadness as the title implies. However, it may also touch on themes of growth. Henry's story could be about how he overcomes his sad situations and grows as a person. Also, themes of morality might be present. The actions and decisions of Henry and other characters might be evaluated in terms of right and wrong, which can add depth to the stories. The way the characters communicate and their social interactions can also suggest themes of communication and social norms.
One possible theme could be melancholy or sadness, as indicated by the'sad geraniums' in the title. Another might be the exploration of ordinary life and the small, often overlooked, events and emotions within it.
One of the main themes is filial piety. Mulan's act of taking her father's place in the army was out of love and respect for her father. Another theme is gender equality in a sense. She showed that women could be as capable as men in military and other aspects. Also, courage is a key theme as she had the guts to face the challenges of war and the risk of being discovered as a woman.
In the 'Ballad of the Hero Jiraiya' novel, a significant theme could be mentorship. Jiraiya is known for being a mentor to others. This theme would explore how he imparts his knowledge and values to his students. Another theme could be the struggle between good and evil. Jiraiya, as a hero, is constantly facing off against evil forces. And the theme of legacy is also likely, as he is building a name for himself and leaving a mark on the world around him through his actions and teachings.
I'm not sure about the exact main themes in 'Ballad of Shirganham' as I haven't read it. But in many light novels, common themes include friendship, self - discovery, and the struggle against powerful forces. It could potentially have these themes as well.