Well, in Sally Rooney short stories, a frequent theme is the struggle between self - actualization and conforming to society. The characters are often at odds with what is expected of them in terms of career, family, and relationships. Also, the theme of communication breakdown is quite prominent. The characters find it difficult to truly express their feelings and desires, which leads to misunderstandings and further complications in their relationships.
Typical characters are young adults. They are often educated, dealing with the challenges of university life or starting out in their careers. They are complex individuals with their own insecurities and desires.
Love and relationships are common themes. Her stories often explore the complex dynamics between characters in romantic or platonic relationships. For example, the insecurities and power imbalances that can occur.
She uses their internal thoughts a great deal. By delving into what the characters are thinking, we get a sense of their insecurities, desires, and hopes. For example, we see how Marianne is often self - deprecating in her thoughts.
Well, in Sally Rooney's 'Normal People', the theme of identity is also central. Both characters are grappling with their identities, whether it's in the academic world, in their families, or in their relationship. Their relationship is a sort of mirror in which they see different versions of themselves. And then there's the theme of power dynamics. There are power imbalances in their relationship, related to gender, class, and social standing, which add layers of complexity to their interactions.
One notable feature is her unique writing style. Sally Rooney often uses simple yet powerful language to convey complex emotions. In her New Yorker short story, she might have characters with very relatable modern - day problems, like relationship issues or struggles with identity in a contemporary society.
'Color and Light' is also a great one. It has a more nuanced look at human connections and the ways in which our perception of others can change over time. It also touches on the idea of growing up and the shifting of relationships as we age.
Sally Rooney's short stories in The New Yorker often feature complex characters. Her characters are typically young, grappling with modern life's uncertainties, like relationships and career choices.