Religious faith is another major theme. Milton was deeply religious, and his short - story - like elements within his works often explore the relationship between man and God. Characters are constantly grappling with their faith, like in 'Paradise Regained' where Jesus is tested in his beliefs. Also, the idea of redemption plays a role. Characters may fall from grace but have the opportunity to be redeemed, as seen in the story of Samson in 'Samson Agonistes' who, despite his mistakes, is able to achieve a form of redemption in the end.
The theme of human nature is also present. Milton examines what it means to be human, our weaknesses and our potential for greatness. In his works, we see humans making choices that are influenced by their desires, pride, and ignorance. This is shown in the fall of Adam and Eve in 'Paradise Lost'. They were tempted by the idea of becoming like God, which shows a fundamental aspect of human nature - the desire for more knowledge and power, and the consequences that can follow when that desire is unchecked.
A common theme is the struggle between good and evil. His works often depict the fight between the forces of righteousness and the temptations of the devil. For example, in 'Paradise Lost', Adam and Eve face the serpent's temptations, which is a classic good - vs - evil scenario.
One of his well - known works might be 'Paradise Lost' which, while an epic poem, contains elements that could be considered in the vein of short - story - like episodes. It has many sections that are rich in narrative and could be thought of as self - contained stories within the larger work.
Another theme is the passage of time and how it affects people. Updike's characters are often aware of their own aging and the changing world around them. This can be seen in how they reflect on their past experiences and how those shape their present selves.
Another important work by Milton is 'Samson Agonistes'. This is a tragic drama that tells the story of Samson, a figure from the Bible. Milton uses Samson's story to explore themes like the power of God, human weakness, and the struggle between good and evil. The work is written in a style that is characteristic of Milton's grand and complex writing, with a deep exploration of human nature and the divine.
Well, in John Cheever short stories, a major theme is the exploration of the human psyche. He delves into the inner thoughts and emotions of his characters. For instance, the characters might be dealing with feelings of envy, longing, or regret. Another theme is the role of suburbia. Suburbia in his stories can be both a place of comfort and a place that stifles the characters. And then there is the theme of the search for identity, as his characters try to figure out who they are in the context of their families and society.
One of the main themes is often the human condition. His stories explore how people deal with various challenges in life. For example, in some of his works, characters struggle with self - identity. Another common theme is the complexity of relationships. He shows how relationships can be both a source of comfort and conflict. Also, the concept of morality is frequently explored, with characters making choices that test their moral boundaries.
Adventure is also a common theme. His short stories are filled with his own adventures in the wild, like climbing mountains or exploring forests. He described the thrills and challenges he faced during these adventures. Moreover, the idea of conservation can be seen as a theme. Through his stories, he might have been subtly advocating for the protection of nature, showing how precious and fragile it is.
Some of the main themes include adventure, heroism, and the struggle between good and evil. Buchan often sets his stories in exciting locations, and his characters face various challenges that test their courage and moral fiber.
In John Barth short stories, a prevalent theme is the passage of time and its impact on individuals. Time can be a destructive force, eroding relationships and dreams. His stories also often touch on the theme of human relationships. These relationships are often fraught with complications, such as jealousy, betrayal, and miscommunication. Through his exploration of these relationships, Barth shows the complexity of human nature.
Common themes often include coming - of - age. His stories usually deal with the experiences and challenges of young people growing up, like dealing with peer pressure, first love, and family relationships.
Common themes include justice, legal battles, and moral dilemmas. His stories often revolve around the legal system and the people involved in it, showing the fight for fairness and the gray areas in the law.