What are the common themes in supernatural animals stories?

One common theme is self - discovery. When a character transforms into an animal, they often learn new things about themselves. For example, they might discover hidden strengths or fears. Another theme is the connection to nature. As an animal, the character gets to experience nature in a more intimate way, like how a bird feels the wind while flying. Also, there is often a theme of transformation in a broader sense, not just physically but also in terms of character growth.

One common theme is friendship. For example, in many stories, different farm animals become friends and help each other out, like a dog protecting the chickens from foxes. Another theme is growth and learning. Just like the little pig learning to be quicker in the story above.

Another theme could be the idea of the animal kingdom as a microcosm of human society. In 'the animals novel', animals might have their own hierarchies, power struggles, and social norms, much like humans do. For example, there could be a dominant species or group that controls resources, while others are in a more subservient position. This can be used to comment on human social structures in a more allegorical way.

Friendship is also a common theme. Just like the story of a cat and a dog becoming friends despite their natural differences. They help each other out, like when the dog guards the cat's kittens while the cat helps the dog find his lost ball.

One common theme is acceptance. In many gay supernatural stories, the characters have to not only come to terms with their own sexual orientation but also with their supernatural abilities or the supernatural world they are part of. For example, in a story where a gay teen discovers he can see ghosts, he has to accept both parts of himself.

A theme that is often present is the idea of a soulmate. In supernatural love stories, the lovers are often presented as destined to be together, as if there's some kind of supernatural force that has brought them together. For example, in 'True Blood', Sookie and Bill seem to have a deep connection that goes beyond the normal bounds of a relationship, as if they were meant to be in each other's lives despite all the chaos and danger.

Fear of the unknown is a big one. In these stories, things like ghosts, vampires, and demons represent the things we don't understand. Another theme is death and the afterlife. They often play with the idea of what happens when we die. Also, the loss of control, for example, when a character is possessed, they lose control of their own body and mind.

A prevalent theme is the power struggle. Different supernatural entities or groups vie for power during the war. In 'The Dresden Files', Harry Dresden is constantly in the middle of power struggles between various magical factions. Also, the theme of the unknown is common. The supernatural elements are often mysterious, and the characters are trying to understand and deal with these unknown forces during the war. This is seen in many stories where new and strange creatures or powers are introduced.

One common theme is the unknown and the fear of it. In many supernatural short stories, the characters are faced with things they can't explain, like in 'The Monkey's Paw'. Another theme is the thin line between the living and the dead, as seen in 'The Tell - Tale Heart' where the narrator seems haunted by the old man even after his death. Also, moral and ethical dilemmas often play a role, like in 'The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde' where the use of the potion to transform creates all sorts of moral questions.

One common theme is often the element of the supernatural or the curse. In some fictional stories, a woman might be 'cursed' to bear an animal - like offspring. Another theme could be related to punishment, as if she has done something wrong and this is her 'fate'.