The short stories of Tawfiq al - Hakim are rich in themes. There are themes related to love, such as the unrequited love or the love that is hindered by social norms. Also, themes of justice and injustice are common. He shows how the unjust systems affect the lives of ordinary people. His stories are not just simple tales but rather thought - provoking pieces that make the readers reflect on various aspects of life, society, and human relationships.
One unique feature is his cultural authenticity. His stories are deeply rooted in the Arab culture, which gives them a distinct flavor. For instance, the way he describes the family structures and the role of religion in daily life is very characteristic.
Another good one is 'Origami'. In this story, Al Sarrantonio plays with the concept of transformation in a very unique way. The idea of using origami as a vehicle for a strange and unexpected turn of events is really creative.
Horror is a big theme. He often creates a sense of dread and unease in his stories. For example, in many of his works, there are elements of the unknown that terrify the characters and the readers alike.
In 'al reynolds short stories', there are likely to be stories that deal with the relationship between humans and advanced technology. These stories can make you think about how our lives might change as technology progresses, like a story where people merge with machines in some way to survive in a harsh galactic environment.
I'm not entirely sure which specific 'the day al jolson died short story' you are referring to. But generally, it might explore themes related to the significance of Al Jolson's death, perhaps how it affected the entertainment industry or the people around him. It could also be a story that uses his death as a backdrop to tell a more personal or fictional account of that time period.