What are the common themes in historical fiction?

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.

One common theme is war. Many historical fictions are set during wars, like the World War II. It shows the impact on individuals, families, and society. Another theme is social change. For example, the Industrial Revolution brought huge changes in people's lives, which historical fictions often explore. Also, love is a frequent theme. Love stories against the backdrop of historical events add a human touch to the story.

The theme of identity is important in historical fiction. Characters might struggle with their national, ethnic, or social identity in a particular historical context. Revolutions are also a theme. These events bring about significant changes and upheavals, and historical fictions can explore the causes and consequences. Additionally, class struggle, such as the conflict between the rich and the poor in historical societies, is a recurring theme.

One common theme is grief. Characters in these fictions often deal with the loss of loved ones in the attacks, like in 'Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close'.

Power struggles are common. In historical fiction, we often see characters vying for power, whether it's political power like in 'A Game of Thrones' (although it's a fictionalized version of a historical - like setting). Cultural clashes are another theme. When different cultures meet, as in books about the colonization era, it creates interesting storylines. And of course, the theme of survival. Characters in historical fictions have to survive in difficult times, like the early settlers in America as portrayed in some books.

One common theme is the exploration of female agency. In lesbian historical fiction, women are often shown taking control of their own lives and relationships in a world that didn't always give them much power. Another is the theme of cultural and historical context. These stories are set in different times and places, and the historical backdrop - like the laws, the social mores, the political climate - all influence the relationships and the characters' experiences. For instance, in some stories set during World War II, the war affects how the lesbian relationships are formed and maintained.

One common theme is the struggle between tradition and modernity. The Amish have very strict traditions, and in historical fiction, you often see characters grappling with outside influences that threaten these traditions. For example, the introduction of new technologies.

One common theme is the loss of power. Whether it's an empire or a civilization, the shift from a dominant position to a fallen state is often explored. Another theme is the human cost. People lose their homes, families, and ways of life during a fall. For example, in the fall of the Roman Empire, many Romans had to adapt to new rulers and living conditions.

Another theme is the preservation of cultural identity. In nonwhite historical fictions from various cultures, like Native American or Asian - American, there is often a focus on keeping their unique traditions, languages and ways of life alive in the face of outside forces trying to change or erase them. It can be seen in works that depict the experiences of immigrants trying to hold on to their heritage while adapting to a new country.

The exploration of Australian identity is a significant theme. Characters often grapple with what it means to be Australian, especially in the context of a colonial past. Family and community are also common themes. Stories might show how families were formed, broken, and reformed over time in Australian history. Also, the impact of historical events like wars and economic booms and busts on the ordinary people is often explored. For instance, how World War II affected the lives of Australians, from those on the home front to those who went to fight.