Another theme could be social judgment. The 'other woman' is often a subject of scrutiny in society, and these short stories might explore how she deals with the judgment, shame, or ostracism that can come with that position.
I haven't read this collection specifically. But generally, when analyzing short story collections, we can look at the themes. It might explore the relationships between different characters, perhaps focusing on the concept of the 'other woman' which could be about love triangles or complex social relationships. Also, the writing style is important. Is it a modern, straightforward style or more of a traditional, descriptive one?
I think the themes of love and disappointment are likely to be there. In the story of the'respectable woman', there could be elements of unrequited love or the disappointment of not being able to break free from social constraints. In the selected short stories, themes like the passage of time and the resulting changes in people's lives may also be prominent. These themes can give the stories depth and make them relatable to readers.
The themes in 'the kept woman and other stories' could be quite diverse. Dependency is likely a theme, especially considering the idea of a 'kept woman'. She depends on someone for her livelihood and in that, there are many aspects to explore. Another theme could be moral conflict. Is her situation morally right or wrong? And the theme of change could also be there. How do the characters, including the kept woman, change over time in response to their situations? And of course, other stories may expand on these themes or introduce new ones related to human nature and relationships.
One aspect to consider in 'A Respectable Woman and Selected Short Stories' is the portrayal of characters. The author likely uses vivid descriptions to bring the characters to life. For example, in the story about the'respectable woman', we might see how her social status and personal values interact. In the selected short stories, different themes could emerge, such as love, loss, or the search for identity. The writing style might also be a key point, perhaps it is detailed and immersive, drawing the reader into the world of the stories. Another factor could be the cultural context in which these stories are set, which can greatly influence the plot and the characters' actions.
One possible theme could be uniqueness. The story might focus on the idea that every woman is special and there's no substitute for her. Another theme could be loyalty in relationships. For instance, in a romantic relationship, a man is loyal to a woman because he believes there's no other woman for him.
It could be that the short stories feature a respectable woman as a main character or center around her experiences.
I think themes such as isolation and loneliness are in 'Woman in the Dark and Other Short Stories'. The woman in the title perhaps feels isolated in the dark, which could be a metaphor for her emotional state. There may also be themes of transformation, where characters change throughout the stories, either due to external events or internal realizations.
One possible theme is loss. Given La Llorona's story of losing her children, loss in different forms could be explored throughout the stories. Another theme could be guilt, as she is often associated with the guilt of her actions. And also, there might be a theme of cultural heritage, as these stories are part of a specific cultural folklore.
One of the main themes is the human cost of Partition. Manto shows how people's lives were uprooted and their identities shattered. Another theme is the exploration of human nature, especially in the face of difficult situations like war and social upheaval.
The themes in 'Short Cuts Selected Stories' might include survival. In some stories, characters may face difficult situations where they have to fight for their survival, either physically or emotionally. Also, the theme of hope could be present. Even in tough times, the characters may hold on to hope and that could be a driving force in the stories. There could also be themes related to social issues, like inequality or discrimination, which the stories might explore through the experiences of the characters.