What are some black - themed short stories?

There are also stories in African folklore that are centered around black characters. For instance, Anansi the Spider stories are full of wisdom and trickery. Anansi, a black spider, often uses his cleverness to outwit others in these tales, teaching valuable lessons about life and survival.

One story could be about a black family's tradition. For instance, every year they have a big family reunion where they cook traditional black cuisine, share stories of their ancestors, and pass on family values to the younger generations. It's a story full of cultural pride and family love.

One popular one is 'The Call of the Wild' by Jack London. It tells the story of a dog's journey in the wild, showing the struggle for survival and the return to primal instincts in a very vivid way.

Common themes in fantasy short stories include the search for identity. A character might be of a special race or have a unique heritage they need to discover. Another is the concept of a chosen one. There's always a person selected by fate to do great things, like slaying a dragon or uniting different kingdoms. And the theme of magic as a double - edged sword, where it can bring both good and bad consequences.

They can increase visibility. For example, in a world where lesbian relationships are often underrepresented in mainstream media, these stories give lesbians a chance to see themselves in fictional characters. It can be really empowering.

Well, 'Everyday Use' by Alice Walker is a great black short story. It focuses on the relationship between a mother and her two daughters, and how they view their heritage differently. Then there's 'The Street' by Ann Petry, which vividly portrays the harsh realities of life in a black urban neighborhood. Also, Langston Hughes has some wonderful short stories like 'Thank You, Ma'am' that show human kindness and the experiences of black people in a simple yet profound way.

They often explore themes of identity. In a British context, this can involve dealing with the social norms and expectations that have been present over time. For instance, in older stories, there might be a struggle against the more conservative views of society.

They also tend to have a moral or a lesson. Just like in 'The Gift of the Magi', the story teaches us about selfless love and sacrifice. Christmas is a time of reflection and growth, and these short stories often reflect that by leaving the reader with something to think about, whether it's about the value of kindness, the importance of believing, or the true meaning of Christmas.

Costumes are also a common element, sometimes in a more symbolic way. In some stories, a character's costume might seem to come to life or have some sort of power. For instance, a child dressed as a werewolf for Halloween might start to exhibit actual werewolf - like behavior. There is also often an element of danger or threat, whether it's from a real monster or from the actions of other characters. This danger keeps the reader on the edge of their seat, waiting to see how the characters will escape or overcome it.

One common theme is isolation. In winter, the cold and often harsh weather can isolate characters, like in 'To Build a Fire' where the man is alone in the Yukon winter facing death. Another theme is renewal. Winter is often seen as a time of death in nature, but it also precedes spring, so stories might have themes of hope and new beginnings. For example, in 'A Christmas Carol', Scrooge is reborn in a sense after his encounters with the ghosts.