What are the main themes in Paul Bowles short stories?

Well, many consider 'The Delicate Prey and Other Stories' to be among his best short story collections. His stories often have a sense of the exotic and the macabre. In these stories, he delves deep into the human psyche, especially in the context of the cultures he was exposed to in North Africa. The way he describes the settings and the characters makes the stories both fascinating and thought - provoking. His use of language is also quite remarkable, creating an atmosphere that draws the reader in and holds their attention throughout.

His writing style is distinct. He has a sparse yet evocative way of writing. He doesn't use a lot of flowery language but still manages to create vivid images in the reader's mind. His stories often have an undercurrent of unease, which keeps the reader on edge throughout.

Yes, in his best short story books, a common theme is the clash between different cultures. For example, Westerners in North African settings often face misunderstandings and challenges.

One of the main themes is often the sense of alienation. Her characters often seem out of place in their own lives or society. For example, in some of her stories, characters struggle to connect with others on a deep emotional level.

He uses the setting as a powerful tool to enhance the mood. For instance, in stories set in the deserts, the vast and unforgiving landscape creates a feeling of loneliness and desolation. The extreme heat and harshness of the desert mirror the difficult situations his characters are in.

I would recommend 'Pages from Cold Point'. It has a complex family dynamic and a sense of mystery that builds as the story progresses. Also, 'The Time of Friendship' is worth reading. It shows Bowles' ability to create nuanced relationships between characters in a short space.

Another theme might be the power of secrets. The ghosts may be a manifestation of secrets that are trying to come to light. This could involve family secrets, secrets of a community, or secrets about a particular place. In the story, these secrets are often unearthed through the presence of the ghosts. And as the secrets are revealed, the characters have to deal with the consequences.

Love and loss is a theme that pops up. There are stories where characters experience love in different forms, whether it's romantic love or the love for a place. And then, of course, there's the aspect of loss that comes with it, like losing a loved one or losing a sense of connection to a place they once loved.

Existential angst is a key theme as well. The characters in his short stories usually experience a sense of unease and confusion about their existence. They question their place in the world and the meaning of their actions. Also, the theme of moral responsibility is present, as the characters have to deal with the consequences of their choices.

In Paul Laurence Dunbar's short stories, the theme of identity is prominent. African - Americans were in a complex situation in terms of defining their identity in a society that often marginalized them. His stories also touch on the theme of love. Love could be between family members, friends, or romantic partners, and it was often intertwined with the other themes like struggle and hope.