One common theme is self - doubt. Characters often question their own worth, abilities, or decisions. For instance, in many coming - of - age short stories, the protagonist doubts if they are making the right choices in life.
Doubt about the future is also a prevalent theme. Characters in these short stories may be uncertain about what lies ahead, whether it's regarding their career, their place in society, or just the general state of the world. This kind of doubt often creates a sense of unease and tension in the story.
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.
In many cases, works like Doubt draw elements from real life but are embellished or fictionalized to make a more compelling story. So, it might not be a straightforward true story.
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.
Seasonal changes, especially fall when the maple leaves turn red and start to fall, are frequently part of maple short stories. It can represent change, the passage of time, or a sense of melancholy. For example, in a story, a character might be sad as the maple leaves fall because it reminds them of a lost love or a past time that can't be regained. Also, the maple tree can be a symbol of stability in a changing world, like a family home or a place of comfort that remains constant despite the changing seasons around it.
Trust is a big theme. In these stories, the husband's trust in his wife as she explores new experiences is a central aspect. It shows how trust can be maintained or even strengthened in different relationship setups.