One of the main themes is identity. Foer often explores how characters grapple with their sense of self. Another theme is family. His short stories frequently depict complex family relationships, such as the bonds and conflicts between parents and children. Also, the theme of memory plays a role, as characters are often haunted or shaped by their past experiences.
The main themes in Jonathan Safran Foer's short stories are diverse. There is a strong sense of cultural exploration. Given his own background, he delves into different cultural aspects and how they impact characters. For example, his exploration of Jewish culture and how it shapes family traditions and individual beliefs. Another important theme is communication, or rather the lack of it at times. Characters struggle to truly communicate their feelings and thoughts, which leads to misunderstandings and further complications in their relationships. Also, the theme of transformation is present, where characters go through significant changes, either physically or mentally, as a result of the events in the stories.