What are the common themes in 'killer stories killing in short fiction'?

Killer stories in short fiction often serve to shock and engage the reader. They can explore the darkest aspects of human nature. For example, in some stories, the killer might be a symbol of society's ills, representing the violence and chaos that lurk beneath the surface. By presenting such extreme characters and situations, short fiction can make a powerful statement about morality and the human condition.

One common theme is loss. The loss of lives, the loss of a sense of safety, and the loss of a pre - 9/11 world. People in these stories often struggle to come to terms with the sudden and violent nature of the losses they've experienced.

Another theme is the cat - and - mouse game between the killer and the investigator. For example, in 'The Silence of the Lambs', Clarice Starling is constantly trying to outwit Hannibal Lecter to get information about another serial killer. This creates a lot of tension and suspense throughout the story. Also, many of these novels touch on themes of morality and the thin line between good and evil. The serial killer is clearly on the 'evil' side, but sometimes the methods of the investigators can be morally ambiguous as well.

One common theme is the psychological aspect of the killer. We often see an exploration of what drives them to commit such heinous crimes, like in 'American Psycho'. Another theme is the cat - and - mouse game between the killer and the investigator, as in 'The Silence of the Lambs'. And the idea of the hidden identity of the killer, where the reader is kept guessing until the end, like in many of these types of novels.

One common theme is the exploration of human relationships. In these short forms, authors often focus on the dynamics between two or a few characters, like love, friendship, or family relationships. For instance, in some short short fictions, a brief encounter between strangers can reveal a lot about human connection.

Love and lust are common themes. The exploration of physical attraction and the strong emotions it can evoke.

One common theme is self - image. In these stories, characters with anorexia often have a distorted view of their own bodies. For example, they might see themselves as fat even when they are dangerously underweight.

One common theme is the struggle for equality. Feminist short stories often show women fighting against gender - based discrimination in various aspects like work, education, and social status. For example, in many stories, women are striving to break into male - dominated fields. Another theme is female self - discovery. Women characters in these stories are often on a journey to understand themselves better, their desires, and their identities outside of the traditional roles assigned to them. Body image is also a theme. Some stories explore how society's beauty standards affect women's self - worth.

Hope is yet another theme. Despite the overwhelming horror, there are often glimmers of hope in these stories. It could be the hope for liberation, or the hope that their story will be told and remembered. For instance, a character might see a sign of the Allied forces approaching or might find a small bit of comfort in a shared memory with another prisoner, which gives them the strength to keep going.

One common theme is the unknown. Stories often play on the fear of the things we can't understand or explain, like in 'The Call of Cthulhu' where the existence of an ancient and powerful being is hinted at. Another theme is death. It can be sudden, violent, or a lingering presence as in 'The Canterville Ghost'.