What are the common themes in historical horror fiction novels?

One common theme is the past coming back to haunt the present. For example, in many stories, the sins or secrets of a historical era resurface in the modern day, causing horror. Another is the exploration of superstitions and beliefs of different historical periods, like witchcraft in colonial times.

Survival is a major theme. The settlers in Jamestown faced numerous challenges like starvation, disease, and conflicts with Native Americans, and this is often central in the novels.

One common theme is colonialism. Novels often depict how colonial powers disrupted African societies, like in 'Things Fall Apart'.

The theme of sacrifice is also common. Just like Jesus sacrificed himself, characters in these novels might sacrifice their own desires or safety for a greater good. And the theme of divine intervention. There are often moments where God or angels seem to play a role in the events of the story, guiding the characters. For instance, in some novels, a character in a difficult situation might be saved in a seemingly miraculous way that can be attributed to God's will.

One common theme is secrecy. In many historical periods, same - sex relationships were not accepted, so characters in historical fiction lesbian novels often have to keep their relationships secret. For example, in 'The Price of Salt', Therese and Carol had to be careful not to draw too much attention to their relationship.

A major theme in egyptian historical fiction novels is the mystery of the pyramids and other ancient monuments. Authors use these as settings or plot devices to create an air of mystery and wonder. The theme of family and dynasty is also prevalent. We see how families vied for power, how dynasties were maintained or overthrown. And, the concept of afterlife is a key theme too. It was such an important part of Egyptian culture, and novels often incorporate it, like characters preparing for the afterlife or the consequences of not following the proper rituals.

One common theme is social inequality. In many such novels, the poor are burdened with debt while the rich often manipulate the debt system to their advantage. For example, in some stories set during the Industrial Revolution, workers were in debt to factory owners and lived in harsh conditions.

One common theme is love and relationships. In historical settings, love can be complicated by social class, family expectations, and cultural norms. Another theme is power and politics. This can involve struggles between different groups for control of a region or a nation. War is also a common theme, showing the impact on individuals and society.

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.