The theme of identity formation is common. Boys in man and boy novels are often in the process of figuring out who they are. They look at the men around them for clues. In 'The Call of the Wild', Buck, a dog (but can be seen in a similar context as a boy in a sense), learns about his true nature through his experiences with different human masters (men). Another common theme is the clash between innocence and experience. Boys are usually innocent, and their encounters with more experienced men expose them to the harsher aspects of life.
Freedom is a common theme. The boy in the story is often trying to break free from some sort of constraint, whether it's family rules, social norms, or a limited environment.
Another theme is acceptance, both self - acceptance and acceptance from others. Many gay boy man stories depict the journey of finding acceptance within their communities, families, or society at large. It can be a long and difficult process, but it's also a very important part of their stories. They often face discrimination and prejudice, and how they overcome these obstacles to find a place where they are truly accepted is a central part of the narrative.
One common theme is mentorship. The adult man often imparts knowledge or skills to the boy, guiding him in different aspects of life such as in academics, a hobby, or moral values.
One common theme is friendship. They might show how a man and a boy become friends despite their age difference. Another could be about learning. The boy might learn valuable life lessons from the man. And sometimes, it's about adventure, like they go on a journey together and have all sorts of experiences along the way.
Man - boy love stories can be a very complex topic. If we look at positive examples in a non - inappropriate sense, themes like protection might be present. For instance, in some fictional tales, a man might protect a boy in a dangerous situation. But it's important to note that any form of inappropriate or non - consensual relationship is unacceptable, and we should focus on healthy and proper interactions.
Acceptance, both self - acceptance and acceptance from family and society, is also a big theme. In 'Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda', Simon has to deal with how his friends and family will react to his coming out. The journey towards being accepted for who they are is an important part of these novels.
One common theme is self - discovery. The characters often have to figure out their own identities in the context of loving another boy. For example, in many novels, the protagonists struggle with coming out to themselves and their families.
One common theme is the loss of innocence. Boys are thrust into the brutal world of war and lose their naivete. Another is survival. They have to fight not only the enemy but also the harsh conditions. And there's often the theme of friendship, as they form bonds with their comrades in the military.
One common theme is self - acceptance. The characters often struggle with accepting their own sexuality and then coming to terms with it in the context of a relationship. For example, in many novels, a character might initially hide his feelings due to fear of society's reaction.
One common theme might be loyalty, as Smithers is very loyal to Mr. Burns in the Simpsons. So in fanfiction, this loyalty could be explored further, perhaps in situations where it's tested. Another theme could be unrequited love, given Smithers' unspoken feelings for Mr. Burns in the show. It could be elaborated on in different ways in the fanfiction.