One common theme is the struggle against inner demons. The male character often battles with his own dark thoughts or desires, like in 'The Catcher in the Rye' where Holden Caulfield is submissive to his own feelings of alienation and disillusionment. Another theme is the loss of control. For instance, in many gothic novels, the male protagonist may find himself at the mercy of a dark force, either external or emerging from within himself.
One such novel could be 'The Picture of Dorian Gray' by Oscar Wilde. In it, Dorian Gray has a certain submissive quality as he is influenced by the hedonistic and dark ideas presented to him. His character gradually succumbs to the darker side of life, which is an interesting exploration of the theme.
Another theme is psychological turmoil. The submissive characters usually experience a lot of internal conflict. They might be torn between their own desires and the demands of the dominant force. This can lead to a sense of hopelessness and despair, which are also common elements in 'dark submissive novels'.
Psychological torment is also a major theme. The male character in these novels usually endures a great deal of mental distress as a result of their submissive state. They might be constantly in fear, or have their identity and self - worth eroded by the situation they are in. For example, they could be in a situation where they are constantly being manipulated or degraded. This is often used to explore the darker aspects of human nature and the human psyche.
Some works of Gothic literature might also contain elements of this sort. In Gothic novels, there can be situations where male characters are placed in positions of powerlessness and subjugation in the face of dark and mysterious forces. An example could be some of the earlier works by Bram Stoker, where male characters might be under the thrall of a powerful and menacing entity.
One example could be 'Lolita' by Vladimir Nabokov. It has elements of a complex and somewhat 'dark' relationship. However, it's important to note that the themes in this novel are controversial and require a mature understanding.
Another aspect is that the exploration of 'lust' in these novels is often not in a traditional or healthy way. It may be warped by the dark nature of the story. The male submissive character's desires and his interactions with other characters in terms of sexual or passionate elements are used to drive the story forward, often leading to unexpected and sometimes disturbing plot twists.
One example could be 'Gone Girl'. The female character in it has some dark and complex traits while also showing a form of dominance in her own way. She manipulates situations and the people around her, which can be seen as a form of alpha behavior within the context of the story.