Some common themes in a novel about a love - hate relationship include the idea of transformation. The relationship can change the characters over time. They may start off as bitter enemies but gradually develop deeper feelings. Another theme is the exploration of boundaries. In a love - hate relationship, the characters are constantly testing the limits of what they can tolerate from each other. There's also the theme of identity. The relationship can make the characters question who they are, especially when they are involved with someone they both love and hate.
Another theme is pride. In many such stories, the characters are too proud to admit their feelings. They might act as if they dislike the other person to hide their true emotions. Take a story where a boy and a girl from different social classes. The boy might act like he hates the girl because he is proud and doesn't want to show his vulnerability in case she rejects him, even though he loves her.
Another theme is the power of transformation. The love - hate relationship often causes the characters to change. In 'Wuthering Heights', Heathcliff's love for Catherine and his subsequent hatred transform him into a vengeful and bitter man. His actions are a direct result of his complex feelings for her.
One common theme is the internal conflict within the characters. They are torn between their love and hate feelings, often due to past misunderstandings or differences in values. Another theme could be the power struggle. In a love - hate relationship in these novels, the characters might fight for control over the relationship or their own emotions. Also, redemption is a theme. As the story progresses, the characters may try to atone for their past wrongs in the relationship and move towards a more positive connection.
Another theme is the complexity of human relationships. Love and hate can co - exist and transform in relationships. In 'Jane Eyre', Jane's relationship with Rochester shows how love can be overshadowed by feelings of betrayal and inequality, leading to moments of hate or at least strong dislike. And also, family relationships in 'love and hate novels' can be a source of both love and hate. For example, in some novels, family members may compete for love or resources, which breeds hatred while still having an underlying family bond.
The 'push - pull' dynamic is very common. They push each other away because of their pride or their supposed hatred, but then are irresistibly drawn back together. In a fanfiction set in a post - apocalyptic world, two survivors might fight over resources and seem to hate each other, but then when one is in danger, the other can't help but come to their rescue, showing the underlying love. Also, the 'miscommunication' trope often plays a role. They misinterpret each other's actions, thinking it's hatred when it could be a sign of love, like a character giving a cold shoulder because they're afraid of their feelings being exposed.
A typical theme is the struggle for self - identity. When torn between love and hate, characters often question who they are. They might love someone deeply but hate the person they become when around that individual. This can lead to a search for their true self. Another common theme is forgiveness. In such novels, the characters may need to forgive themselves or others as a result of the chaos caused by their love - hate relationship. And the theme of sacrifice can also be present. Sometimes, a character has to sacrifice something they love because of their hate, or vice versa.
Transformation is a big theme. Just like in 'Beauty and the Beast', the Beast transforms not only physically but also in his behavior and attitude towards Belle. And Belle also transforms in her perception of the Beast. Also, power dynamics can be a theme. Sometimes in a love - hate relationship, one person may seem to have more power over the other at the start, but as the relationship evolves, the power dynamics shift. This can be seen in many stories where one character initially dominates the relationship during the 'hate' part but then things change as love develops.
One common theme is the power of first impressions. In these novels, the initial dislike often stems from misjudged first impressions. Another theme is personal growth. As the characters go from hating to loving, they usually grow as individuals. For example, they might learn to overcome their pride or prejudice, like in 'Pride and Prejudice'.
A prevalent theme is the power of change. In 'hate to love' novels, the characters change their opinions of each other over time. This could be due to new experiences they share or revelations about each other's true natures. Also, the theme of redemption can be present. If one character has done something wrong in the past that made the other hate them, they might have a chance at redemption which leads to love. For instance, in some stories, a character who was once a bully might reform and win the heart of the person they used to torment. Another common theme is the discovery of hidden depths. When the characters start to look beyond their initial dislike, they find qualities in each other that they didn't expect, like kindness, intelligence or a great sense of humor.
Misunderstanding is a common theme. In many 'hate love story' scenarios, the two characters misunderstand each other's intentions, actions or words, which leads to the initial hatred. For example, they might misinterpret a gesture as an insult.