What are the common themes and troupes of ghost stories?

The theme of guilt can be quite prominent in ghost stories. Maybe a character in the story did something wrong in the past, and now they are haunted by a ghost as a form of punishment. In terms of troupes, seeing a figure out of the corner of your eye but when you turn to look, it's gone is a common one. It plays on the idea of the ghost being elusive. Another troupe is the sudden drop in temperature just before something spooky is about to happen, which is often used to build up tension in a ghost story.

The themes of ghost stories can include lost love. A ghost might be lingering because of unfulfilled love or a broken heart. Haunted places are another theme. Abandoned houses, old castles, or desolate cemeteries are often settings in ghost stories. And then there's the theme of the afterlife. Ghost stories sometimes explore what might happen after death, whether it's a peaceful transition or a state of unrest.

One common theme is the fear factor. Ghosts often represent the unknown and the things that go bump in the night, which scares people. Another theme could be the idea of unfinished business. In many ghost stories, the ghosts are there because they have something left undone in their lives. And also, the concept of the afterlife is often explored. Whether it's a heaven - or - hell type of afterlife or just a state of being in between, ghost stories can give different perspectives on that.

One common theme is the connection between the living and the dead. Zuni ghost stories often show how the spirits of the dead can interact with the living world.

One common theme is revenge. The ghost who committed suicide may seek revenge on those who wronged them in life. Another is regret, where the ghost is haunted by the act of suicide and tries to convey a message. And there's often a sense of isolation and loneliness associated with the ghost.

Isolation is a common theme too. Many ghost stories are set in remote places like old mansions or abandoned villages. This isolation amplifies the fear factor. For instance, in 'The Haunting of Hill House', the characters are cut off from the outside world in this spooky house, and the presence of the ghosts becomes even more terrifying in this isolated setting.

Another theme is the protection of a certain place. For example, there are stories where the ghost of an ancestor guards a family's ancestral home or a holy site. These ghosts are often seen as benevolent protectors rather than malevolent spirits. They will only cause harm to those who try to desecrate the place. And the element of mystery also runs through many stories. The ghosts often appear in strange and unexplainable ways, like vanishing into thin air or passing through solid objects, which adds to the overall sense of mystery and intrigue in Moroccan ghost stories.

One common theme is revenge. Ghosts often come back to seek revenge for some wrong that was done to them in life. Another theme is the idea of unfinished business. They might have some task or relationship that was left unresolved when they died.

Family also plays a big role. Some stories involve family curses or the protection of family members. For example, a ghost might be protecting its descendants from harm.

In indigenous ghost stories, a prevalent theme is the connection between the living and the dead. The stories often depict how the actions of the living can affect the spirits of the dead and vice versa. For instance, if the living disrespect the burial grounds of their ancestors, it can lead to hauntings. Also, the idea of karma or retribution is common. Spirits will often punish those who have been bad or who have broken tribal laws. Moreover, many of these stories use the supernatural to explain natural phenomena. So, a strange occurrence in nature might be attributed to the work of a ghost or spirit.