What are the common themes in man vs self short stories?

Survival is also a theme. In some man vs man short stories, the characters are in a situation where they have to fight each other to survive. It could be in a post - apocalyptic setting or a situation like being stranded on an island. They compete for limited resources or for their own safety. And of course, pride often plays a role. A character's excessive pride might make them engage in a man vs man conflict, not wanting to back down or admit defeat.

Conflict over identity can be a theme. In some stories, characters are in conflict because they represent different identities or social classes. In 'A & P', Sammy's identity as a young rebel clashes with his boss's identity as a rule - following authority figure. Another theme is the struggle for survival, not just in a physical sense but also in a social or emotional sense. In 'The Interlopers', the two men are initially in a struggle for territorial survival, but then their situation changes to a more emotional survival as they face the unexpected together. And misunderstanding is also a common theme. When characters misunderstand each other's intentions, it can lead to man vs man conflict as in some stories where miscommunication causes enmity between two people.

One common theme is self - discovery. In these stories, the characters often start off not fully understanding themselves and through their internal struggles, they come to learn more about their true nature. For example, in 'The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde', Dr. Jekyll discovers the dark and hidden parts of himself that he didn't know existed before creating Mr. Hyde.

One common theme is the struggle for individuality. In'man vs society' stories, the protagonist often tries to break free from the conformist mold that society has set. For example, in 'The Catcher in the Rye' Holden Caulfield rebels against the phony society he sees around him. Another theme is the fight for justice. The individual may oppose a society that is unjust or corrupt. In short stories like 'To Kill a Mockingbird' (which can be considered in part a man vs society story), Atticus Finch battles against the racist society in his town. Also, the theme of alienation is common. The character may feel alienated from society because of their different beliefs or values, like in Kafka's 'The Metamorphosis' where Gregor Samsa, after his transformation, is completely alienated from his family and the society he once belonged to.

Fear is a common theme. Man is often afraid of the unknown and supernatural forces. For example, in 'The Monkey's Paw', the family is terrified of the consequences of their wishes granted by the paw. Another theme is powerlessness. Humans usually find themselves powerless against supernatural entities like in 'The Horla' where the narrator can't seem to get rid of the haunting being. And there's also the theme of madness. The encounter with the supernatural can drive characters insane as seen in 'The Tell - Tale Heart'.

One common theme is the consequence of human greed. For example, in many stories, humans take too much from nature like over - harvesting resources, and then nature strikes back with disasters. Another theme is the journey of human realization. Humans often start by being at odds with nature but then come to understand the importance of living in harmony with it. For instance, a farmer who over - tills his land and faces soil erosion finally realizes he needs to use more sustainable farming methods.

One common theme is the insignificance of man. In short stories about man - vs - nature conflict, humans are often made to realize how small and powerless they are in the face of nature's vastness and might. Take 'The Open Boat' for instance, the men in the boat are at the mercy of the ocean, which makes them feel tiny and helpless. Another theme is adaptation. Characters are forced to adapt to nature's conditions, whether it's learning to find food in a new environment or building shelter against the elements. Also, there is the theme of respect for nature. Through the conflict, the characters (and the readers) often learn that nature should be respected and not taken for granted.

One common theme is the struggle for individual freedom. For example, in stories where a repressive government or social system exists, the protagonist often fights for their own freedom to think, act, or be different. Another theme is the power of conformity. Society often pressures people to conform, and in these short stories, the main character resists that pressure. For instance, in a story about a strict religious society, a character may question the dogma and face conflict.

The theme of the cycle of life and death is often present. In many man - vs - nature stories, nature can both give life and take it away. For instance, the ocean in 'The Open Boat' can be a source of life but also a threat to the men's lives. And in 'The Old Man and the Sea', Santiago depends on the sea for his livelihood, but the sea also challenges him and can end his life at any time.

Survival is a common theme. For example, in many stories, a man has to fight an animal to protect his own life or the lives of his family.