Family values are a common theme. Many Marathi stories revolve around the relationships within a family, like the bond between parents and children, siblings etc. For example, stories might show how family members support each other during tough times.
Morality is also very common. Stories usually teach right from wrong. They might show the consequences of greed or dishonesty, and the rewards of honesty, kindness and hard work. Through the characters' actions and the outcomes they face, the stories inculcate moral values in the readers or listeners.
Spirituality is another big theme. Given the rich religious and cultural heritage of Maharashtra, Marathi stories often have elements of devotion and the search for the divine. Saints' stories are full of their spiritual journeys and the lessons they learned on the way.
Supernatural elements are very common. Things like ghosts, spirits, and curses often feature. For example, in many stories, a vengeful spirit haunts a place due to some past injustice.
One common theme is the struggle for acceptance. In Marathi society, which has traditional values, gay individuals often face challenges in getting their families and the community to accept them. Another theme is love and relationships. These stories show that love is the same regardless of gender, and gay characters in Marathi gay stories experience the same joys and pains in love as anyone else.
A frequent theme is the cycle of life. In Marathi animal stories, we can see how animals are born, grow, face challenges, and sometimes die. Also, friendship is a big theme. There are stories of animals becoming friends and helping each other out in difficult situations. For instance, a deer and a monkey might become friends and share food and shelter during hard times.
Another theme is the desolate or haunted locations. Old forts, abandoned houses, and lonely graveyards are often the settings in Marathi horror stories. These places are depicted as having an eerie presence, and when the characters enter these places, they are met with all kinds of terrifying experiences. For instance, in a story set in an old fort, the protagonist might hear strange noises, see apparitions, and feel a sense of being watched all the time.
Another theme is the loss of family. For instance, a family member might die suddenly or go missing. This leaves the remaining family members in a state of grief and despair, like in the story of the old man waiting for his son.
Common themes include social norms and traditions. Marathi culture has certain traditions that can come in the way of love. For instance, arranged marriages are the norm in many cases. So, when a couple falls in love on their own, it often clashes with the traditional way of getting married. Another theme is the lack of communication. Sometimes, due to family restrictions or other factors, lovers are not able to communicate effectively, which leads to misunderstandings and ultimately a sad end to their love story. Fate also plays a role in some stories, where no matter how much the couple tries, external forces seem to be against them.
Typically, they often have a strong sense of mystery. For example, in many stories, there is an unknown event or situation that the characters need to figure out. They also tend to have complex characters. Like in 'Durva', the characters have their own secrets which contribute to the overall suspense.
Another theme is separation due to circumstances. This could be because of a job transfer like in the story where the boy had to move to another city for work, leaving his love behind. Or it could be due to some external forces like natural disasters or war that separate the lovers.
One common theme is the concept of sacrifice. Lovers often sacrifice their own desires for the sake of their beloved or for a greater good in Marathi romantic literature.
One common theme is cultural exchange. Since both cultures are rich and diverse, stories often explore how the Indian and Tagalog cultures interact, like sharing of religious beliefs or traditional arts.