I'm not sure which 'ww jacobs' you specifically refer to. There may be many people named Jacobs. If it's W. W. Jacobs, he is known for his horror and mystery short stories. His first short story might have been influenced by the Victorian era in which he lived, often featuring elements of the macabre and the unexpected, but without more specific information, it's hard to give a detailed account of that very first story.
As I don't know the exact first short story, but in general, Jacobs often dealt with themes like the supernatural. It could be that his first short story also had elements of the supernatural, such as ghosts or unexplained phenomena.
W. W. Jacobs' short stories often feature elements of the ordinary turned extraordinary. His stories usually have a strong sense of place, like the English seacoast which he was familiar with. They are known for their unexpected twists and turns. For example, in 'The Monkey's Paw', the family's wish - granting talisman leads to a series of tragic events rather than the expected good fortune. His writing style is accessible and engaging, making his stories popular for a wide range of readers.
One characteristic is the focus on the human experience. They often show how ordinary people were affected by the war, like in stories of families being separated. Another is the sense of heroism, whether it's a soldier on the front lines or a civilian helping the resistance.
One common theme is the horror of war. For example, in 'All Quiet on the Western Front', soldiers face constant danger, death, and destruction. Another theme is comradeship. Soldiers often form strong bonds with their fellow fighters, as seen in many stories. Loss is also a big theme. They lose friends, their innocence, and sometimes their faith in humanity.
One interesting WW2 short story could be about the Navajo code talkers. They used their native language as an unbreakable code in the Pacific theater, which was crucial for military communications. Their unique contribution was a great advantage for the Allies.
One short WW2 story is about the Navajo code talkers. The Navajo language was used as a code by the Marines. It was extremely effective because the Japanese were unable to decipher it. These Navajo soldiers played a crucial role in battles like Iwo Jima, passing important military messages without the enemy being able to understand.
The theme of comradeship is also prevalent. Soldiers form strong bonds with their fellow comrades during the war. For example, in many stories, they rely on each other for survival, share their last rations, and comfort each other in the face of death. Moreover, the disillusionment with war is a key theme. As the war progresses, the characters realize that the so - called 'glory' of war is a myth, and it is just a senseless killing machine that destroys lives and families.