Isolation is a common theme. In many such stories, the characters are alone, either physically or emotionally. For example, in 'The Yellow Wallpaper', the female protagonist is isolated in a room, which drives her mad.
Loneliness is also a frequent theme. For example, in stories where a character is isolated from society, either by choice or circumstance. They often struggle with feelings of emptiness and despair. A detailed look at 'The Yellow Wallpaper' shows how the main character's isolation due to her supposed illness leads to her mental breakdown, which is a very depressing situation. This story also shows how powerlessness can be a theme. The woman has no control over her own treatment and is forced to endure a situation that makes her worse. In many sad short stories, characters are at the mercy of forces beyond their control, like fate or the actions of others, which adds to the overall sense of depression.
Another is 'A Rose for Emily' by William Faulkner. The story of Emily Grierson, a woman who lives a reclusive life in the South. There are themes of death, isolation, and the passage of time. Her strange relationship with Homer and the final revelation are all very sad elements.
A very sad short story is 'The Little Match Girl' by Hans Christian Andersen. The poor girl is out in the cold on New Year's Eve, trying to sell matches. As she lights the matches to keep warm, she has visions of a better life, but in the end, she freezes to death, which is a heart - wrenching tale of poverty and despair.
There's the story of a stray dog. It was once a beloved pet but got lost. It wanders the streets, cold and hungry, often getting chased away by people. Every day it hopes to find its way back home, but as time passes, it becomes more and more desperate. It's a truly depressing sight to see such a helpless creature in such a state. This shows the harsh reality that many stray animals face.
A sad depressing life story might involve someone with a chronic illness. For example, a young girl who was diagnosed with a rare disease at a very young age. She had to endure countless painful treatments, had to miss out on normal childhood experiences like going to school regularly or playing with friends. Her life became a cycle of hospitals and medications, and she constantly felt different from others, which was really depressing.
One characteristic is unfulfilled love. For example, in many stories, the lovers are separated by circumstances like distance, family, or social status. Another is a sense of loss. When one of the lovers dies or leaves, the remaining person is left with a deep sense of emptiness. Also, there's often a feeling of powerlessness. The characters can't change the situation that's tearing their love apart, like in the case of terminal illness in some stories.
😋According to your request, I recommend the following novels:
1. "The Perfect Male Lead Cultivation Plan"--A relaxed and happy daily life of youth. The male lead was multi-talented, without any depressing plot or sad ending.
2. "God Summoning" was a story that led a small family to the peak. It summoned the existence of myths and legends to be used as a mech. There was no harem, and the emotional description was very detailed.
3. "Ruyi Langjun" was a story that traveled back in time. The main character had no system, no cheat, and no sad ending. It was a historical fiction.
I hope you like my recommendations. If you need anything, please let me know ~~😗
Isolation is often a theme. People in sad life stories tend to isolate themselves, like the man who lost his family. He pushed away his friends and family. Another theme is powerlessness. The girl in the abusive home felt powerless to change her situation. And hopelessness, as all these characters at some point felt there was no hope for a better future in their lives.
They can make us more empathetic. When we hear a sad depressing life story, we start to understand the hardships others face, and it can make us more sensitive to the pain of those around us.