One common theme is sacrifice. In these stories, characters often have to give up a lot, whether it's their personal safety, relationships, or their former way of life. For example, in many stories about the American Revolution, soldiers left their families and farms to fight for freedom.
One great example is 'The Red Badge of Courage' by Stephen Crane. It's set during the American Civil War and offers a vivid portrayal of a young soldier's experiences. It shows the chaos, fear, and the transformation of the protagonist.
In historical fiction related to the revolutionary war, 'A Separate Peace' can be considered in a way. It's set during World War II, which was also a revolutionary time in many ways. It tells the story of two boys at a boarding school. Their relationship is affected by the war in the background. The story delves into themes of innocence, friendship, and the impact of war on the young generation.
One common theme is sacrifice. In these stories, characters often have to give up something, like their safety, family, or personal dreams for the greater good of the revolution. For example, a soldier might leave his family behind to fight in the war.
Another good choice is 'April Morning' by Howard Fast. It focuses on a young boy's experience on the morning of the first battle of the Revolutionary War. It shows how ordinary people were caught up in the extraordinary events of the war, and how they had to quickly grow and adapt to the changing situation.
One of the common Christian elements in Revolutionary War historical fiction is the role of the clergy. For example, many ministers during that time were involved in inspiring the colonists. They used religious teachings to encourage ideas of freedom and justice, which were central to the revolutionary cause. Their sermons often contained references to the fight against tyranny, similar to the Israelites' struggle in the Bible. This not only motivated the common people but also provided a moral and spiritual framework for the revolution.
Revolutionary war historical fiction novels also tend to explore the ideas and ideals that drove the revolution. In 'April Morning', the young boy starts to understand the reasons behind the fight for independence. They help readers understand the political and social unrest that led to the war and the hopes that people had for a new future.
One of the best is 'Johnny Tremain' by Esther Forbes. It vividly depicts the events and atmosphere of the American Revolutionary War through the eyes of a young apprentice. The story follows Johnny as he gets involved in the revolutionary activities, and it's a great way to get a sense of the period.
Another theme is the transformation of society. These fictions usually show how the war changes the social structure. It could be the rise of the common people against the aristocracy as seen in many French Revolution - related historical fictions.
Survival is a big theme. In the chaos of revolutionary war, characters struggle to stay alive. They have to deal with hunger, disease, and the constant threat of enemy attacks. In addition, the theme of identity is often explored. People may question who they are in the context of the war. Are they still the same person? Do they belong to a new nation or ideology? This can be seen in works that deal with post - revolutionary periods as well.