One main theme is the duality of human nature. People are not simply good or bad, but often a complex mix. For example, in many stories, a character may seem kind on the surface but have a hidden, darker side. Another theme is the struggle between good and evil. Characters often have to make choices that will lead them either towards the 'light' of moral righteousness or the 'dark' of immoral actions.
One common theme is death. Many dark short stories deal with death in various forms, whether it's sudden, violent, or expected. Another is the human psyche. They often explore the darker aspects of the human mind like guilt, as in 'The Black Cat'. Also, fear is a big theme, creating a sense of unease and horror in the reader.
One common Christmas lesson in short stories is the importance of giving. For example, in many tales, a character who was initially self - centered learns that giving to others brings more joy than receiving. They might give a gift to a poor neighbor or help someone in need during the Christmas season, and this act of kindness transforms them.
The light theme often represents hope, goodness, and positive values. For example, in many fairy tales, the hero or heroine who is kind - hearted and brave represents the light. The dark theme can symbolize evil, despair, or challenges. In horror stories, the dark forces are often the source of fear. Common expressions of light themes include bright colors, kind characters, and happy endings. Dark themes may involve dark settings like a spooky forest or an old, haunted house.
Betrayal is a common theme. For example, one partner might discover that the other has been lying about their identity or past all along, which darkens the love. Another theme is obsession. One person could be overly obsessed with the other, which can lead to a very unbalanced and often dark relationship.
One main theme is cruelty. The Dark Eldar are known for their extreme cruelty, like torturing and killing for pleasure. Another theme is the pursuit of power. They often seek power through collecting souls or by outsmarting their enemies in their devious plans.
One common theme is death. In many of these stories, death is either the main event or a looming threat. Another theme is madness. Characters often go insane due to the dark situations they are in. For example, in 'The Tell - Tale Heart', the narrator's madness drives the whole story. Revenge is also a theme, like in 'The Cask of Amontillado' where the protagonist seeks revenge on his friend.
Another theme is the power of love to both heal and destroy. In short dark romance, love can start out as a glimmer of hope in a dark world but then turn into something that consumes and destroys the characters. For instance, a couple might start out trying to save each other from their own personal demons but end up being dragged further into the darkness because of their relationship.
Death is a common theme. In many of these stories, death is either the main focus, like in 'The Monkey's Paw' where wishes lead to death, or it lurks in the background, creating an atmosphere of dread. Another theme is madness. For example, in 'The Tell - Tale Heart', the narrator's madness drives the whole story.
Taboo relationships often feature in these stories. It could be relationships that society generally frowns upon, such as affairs or relationships with a large age gap. These relationships add an element of darkness and secrecy. For instance, a story might explore the forbidden love between a young person and an older, more powerful figure. The secrecy and the breaking of social norms create a sense of both eroticism and darkness.