A sense of isolation can also be a theme. If there's a major malfunction in a remote location, like a lighthouse, the keeper is isolated and has to deal with the malfunction alone, facing the elements and the potential collapse of the structure without immediate help.
One famous 'a major malfunction short story' could be about a spaceship. There was a major malfunction in its navigation system. The crew had to quickly figure out how to fix it while being in deep space. They used their wits and some makeshift tools to get the system back online just in time to avoid crashing into an asteroid.
Regular maintenance is key. Have technicians check the power supply units regularly. Another way is to use high - quality power supplies in the first place. Cheap ones are more likely to malfunction.
The opposite of 'novel' could be 'familiar' or 'conventional'. Something novel is new and unique, so the opposite would be something that is common or not new.
Poetry could be considered the opposite in some ways. Novels tell stories through prose, but poetry uses a more condensed and lyrical form to express ideas and emotions.