Another theme is the power of female community. In these stories, women support each other during childbirth and other difficult times. For example, in many historical midwifery fictions, the neighbors would come together to help the mother - to - be, sharing their knowledge and resources. This shows the strong bond among women in those times.
The evolution of medical knowledge is also a theme. Historical midwifery fiction often shows how midwives were at the forefront of understanding childbirth in the past, and how their practices gradually changed or were influenced by new medical discoveries over time. For instance, the transition from traditional herbal remedies to more modern medical techniques might be depicted in these stories.
One great example is 'The Midwife's Apprentice' by Karen Cushman. It takes readers back to medieval England and follows the journey of a young girl learning the art of midwifery.
Common themes in historical fiction include power struggles. This could be between different kingdoms, political parties, or social classes. For instance, in stories about the Tudor period in England, there are often power struggles within the royal family. Cultural clashes are also frequent. When different cultures meet, like during the age of exploration, it creates interesting themes in historical fiction. And then there's the theme of survival. Characters in historical fictions often have to survive in difficult historical circumstances, like a famine or a plague.
One common theme is war. Many historical fictions are set during wars, like the World War II. It shows the impact on individuals, families, and society. Another theme is social change. For example, the Industrial Revolution brought huge changes in people's lives, which historical fictions often explore. Also, love is a frequent theme. Love stories against the backdrop of historical events add a human touch to the story.
The theme of identity is important in historical fiction. Characters might struggle with their national, ethnic, or social identity in a particular historical context. Revolutions are also a theme. These events bring about significant changes and upheavals, and historical fictions can explore the causes and consequences. Additionally, class struggle, such as the conflict between the rich and the poor in historical societies, is a recurring theme.
One common theme is grief. Characters in these fictions often deal with the loss of loved ones in the attacks, like in 'Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close'.
One common theme is the pursuit of freedom. For example, in many stories about slaves in historical fiction, like 'The Underground Railroad', the characters are running towards freedom. Another theme is survival. In war - era historical fictions such as 'Cold Mountain', the protagonist is running to survive. Also, self - discovery is a theme. Characters in their running journeys often discover things about themselves, like in 'The Luminaries' where the characters' actions during their 'runs' through the story lead them to understand their own motives and identities better.
One common theme is forbidden love. For example, in many historical settings, different social classes or warring families might prevent a couple from being together.
One common theme is the struggle for identity. Given the long and complex history of the region, characters in Israel historical fiction often grapple with who they are in relation to their heritage, religion, and nationality.
Another theme is mystery. The origin and nature of dragons are usually shrouded in mystery. In many dragon historical fictions, characters are on a quest to understand more about dragons, like their life cycle, their intelligence, and their relationship with humans. This adds an element of exploration and discovery to the stories. Dragons are also often symbols of magic and the unknown in these stories. They represent a connection to a more magical past that has been lost or forgotten over time, and the stories may revolve around re - discovering that magic through the study or interaction with dragons.
Religious conflict is a common theme. Jerusalem being a holy city for multiple religions, many historical fictions explore the tensions and co - existences between different religious groups throughout history.