Morality is also a key theme. These stories often teach people to be kind, honest, and respectful. For instance, if a person is greedy or cruel in the story, they usually get punished. And family values are sometimes present too. There could be stories where a spirit tries to protect its family or descendants.
Another theme is karma and justice. The idea that good deeds are rewarded and bad deeds are punished is very prevalent. Ghosts in these stories can be agents of karma, either avenging wrongs done to them in life or helping to bring justice to the living world. It reflects the traditional Chinese belief in a moral order that extends beyond life and death.
There are no proper 'erotic' ghost stories in the mainstream of Chinese literature. Chinese ghost stories mainly focus on themes like love, justice, and the cycle of karma. For instance, the theme of love between a human and a ghost often appears, which shows the power of love across different realms.
Love also plays a significant role in some non - erotic Chinese ghost stories. It's not always a romantic love between two living people. Sometimes it's the love of a ghost for a living person or the love that transcends death. This love can be a powerful force that drives the story, whether it's a love that can't be fulfilled or a love that helps the ghost find peace. Additionally, family loyalty is often a theme. Ghosts may return to protect their families or to set things right within their family units.
One common theme could be the interaction between the human and the supernatural. Ghosts often play a significant role in Chinese ghost stories, and in this one, it might be about the relationship that crosses the boundary between the living and the dead.
One common theme is revenge. Ghosts often return to seek vengeance for their unjust deaths. For example, in many stories, a wronged woman who was mistreated during her life might come back as a ghost to punish those who wronged her. Another theme is love that transcends death. There are tales of lovers where one has passed away but still tries to be with their living beloved in some way.
You could also check out 'Painted Skin'. It's a story full of mystery and drama. It tells the tale of a demon in the form of a beautiful woman who has a painted skin. The movie is known for its engaging plot twists and strong performances.
One common theme is growth. For example, in 'Anne of Green Gables', Anne grows from an insecure orphan to a confident young woman. Another theme is friendship, like in 'A Little Princess' where Sara Crewe forms strong bonds with other characters. Family also plays a role, as seen in 'Little Women' with the sisters' relationship to their mother and each other.
Another theme could be redemption. The possessed character may have made some mistakes in the past, and the possession becomes a form of punishment or a test. Through the process of dealing with the possession, they find a way to atone for their sins and become a better person. For instance, in a story where a person is possessed by a spirit that represents their guilt, they gradually face their past and make amends.
One common theme is survival. In primitive stories, there are often descriptions of how the people in that era fought against nature to get food, water and shelter. For example, stories might show how they tracked animals for hunting or found caves to protect themselves from bad weather.
Friendship is a very common theme. In many coed stories, boys and girls come together to form strong bonds, like in 'The Outsiders' where the gang of boys and the few girls associated with them have a deep sense of loyalty and friendship. Another common theme is growth. For example, in 'The Fault in Our Stars', Hazel and Augustus, a boy - girl couple, grow in their understanding of life, love, and mortality. School life is also a common theme. Stories like 'Diary of a Wimpy Kid' show the coed interactions in a school setting, with all the fun, rivalry, and camaraderie that comes with it.