What are some common themes in character vs society in novels?

Rebellion. In these stories, the protagonist often rebels against the norms and rules of society. For example, in 'The Catcher in the Rye', Holden Caulfield rebels against the 'phony' adult world. Another theme is freedom. The characters are usually fighting for their freedom or the freedom of others, like in 'Uncle Tom's Cabin' where the slaves fight for freedom from a slave - owning society. And there's the theme of identity. The characters struggle to maintain their true identity in the face of a society that wants to mold them into something else.

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.

Characters in novels might oppose society in different ways. Consider '1984' where Winston Smith rebels against the totalitarian society. He dares to have thoughts of freedom and love, which are strictly prohibited by the Party. His actions are a direct defiance of the society's oppressive control. His struggle reflects the human desire for individuality and freedom in the face of a suffocating social system.

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 elitism often shows up. Secret societies in these novels are usually made up of an elite group of people who think they are superior and have a special mission. In 'The Illuminatus! Trilogy', the Illuminati are portrayed as an elite group with far - reaching plans. Another common theme is the clash between the secret society and the outside world, as their goals and values often conflict with mainstream society.

Power dynamics is a common theme. These novels often explore how power is distributed and exercised differently when women are in charge. For instance, in 'The Power', we see how the newfound power of women changes social hierarchies.

Survival is a very common theme. In these novels, characters often have to fight for their lives against the power of nature, like extreme weather or wild animals. For example, in 'The Call of the Wild', Buck has to adapt to the harsh Arctic environment to survive.

Morality is also a key theme. When society's values clash with an individual's sense of right and wrong, it creates a conflict. In stories like 'Bartleby, the Scrivener' by Herman Melville, Bartleby's refusal to work goes against the capitalist - driven work ethic of society, and his actions make the reader question the morality of both Bartleby and the society that surrounds him.

Another theme might be the role of family and society in shaping a love relationship. Family approval or disapproval often plays a crucial part in the love stories in novels. And society can set the standards for suitable matches. For example, in some novels, a character from a lower social class might face difficulties in being with someone from a higher class because of society's hierarchical structure. This can create a lot of drama and conflict in the story. Also, the exploration of different types of love, like passionate love versus practical love, is also a common theme in such novels. The characters may have to decide between a love that is based on strong emotions or a love that is more suitable in terms of social and economic stability.

One common theme is the impact of war. Middle Eastern countries have experienced many wars, and novels often show how these wars shatter families, disrupt communities, and change the social fabric. For instance, in 'The Kite Runner', the Soviet invasion and later the Taliban rule in Afghanistan are central to the story's development.