The theme of self - discovery is quite profound. Characters in the story explore their own identities, values and purposes. It can be a journey of a person from confusion to clarity, which many readers can find inspiring.
One great dark theme for stories could be 'The Struggle Against Darkness'. It often involves a hero or a group of characters fighting against an oppressive and shadowy force, like in 'The Lord of the Rings' where the Fellowship battles Sauron's dark army. Another is 'The Mystery in the Shadows', which creates an atmosphere of suspense as characters try to solve a mystery that is shrouded in darkness, both literally and metaphorically. And 'The Dark Redemption' is also a good one, where a character who has been in the dark side tries to find redemption and change their ways.
Love and loss is a great theme. It can explore the deep emotions of characters when they gain or lose someone they care about. For example, a short story could be about a person who loses their childhood sweetheart and how they deal with the pain and emptiness that follows.
One common theme is generosity. In many of these stories, characters show kindness and give selflessly, like in 'The Gift of the Magi'. Another theme is redemption, as seen in 'A Christmas Carol' where Scrooge redeems himself. Family is also a theme, highlighting the importance of coming together during Christmas.
Love and loss could be one of the main themes. Many short stories often revolve around the relationships between characters, and how they deal with the loss of love, whether it's the end of a romantic relationship or the death of a loved one.
One theme is the impact of technology. For example, in 'The Veldt', it shows how over - reliance on technology can disrupt family relationships. Another theme is the exploration of human nature, like in 'The Pedestrian' where the main character's simple act of walking is seen as strange in a future society.
Well, first, think about your target audience. If it's for young adults, themes like first love or unrequited love might be popular. Then, consider the genre of the story. In a fantasy story, a love theme could involve star - crossed lovers from different magical realms. Another aspect is the cultural background. Different cultures have unique perspectives on love that can add depth to the theme.
In many of these stories, love is a common theme. For example, in 'The Gift of the Magi', it's about selfless love between a husband and a wife. Another theme is the human condition. 'The Lottery' shows how people can blindly follow traditions, which is part of the complex human nature. Also, survival is a theme, like in 'To Build a Fire' where the man is fighting for his life in the cold.
Responsibility is also a key theme. There are stories where characters learn to take responsibility for their actions. For instance, if they make a mistake, they own up to it and try to make amends, which shows the importance of being accountable for what we do.