Since it's set in Uttar Pradesh, the stories could cover a wide range of themes. It could be about the rich history of the place and how it shapes the present. For example, if there are ancient forts or historical events in the region, the stories might use those as a backdrop to tell tales of love, loss, and redemption. It could also explore the religious diversity of Uttar Pradesh, showing how different faiths co - exist or sometimes collide, and how the characters navigate through these complex situations.
Since the stories are set in Uttar Pradesh, there could be characters like farmers who are struggling with the land and the changing climate. There might also be young people trying to break free from the traditional norms of the society. And perhaps there are some wandering sages or storytellers who play important roles in the narrative, passing on the local wisdom and legends.
Homesickness is obviously a main theme. It's about longing for a place one considers home.
Well, perhaps isolation could be a main theme considering 'high lonesome' in the title. It might also deal with new experiences and the collection of various stories which could imply a theme of diversity in storytelling.
One possible main theme could be the exploration of women's inner lives. In their beds can be seen as a private, intimate space where they might reflect on various aspects of their existence, like relationships, dreams, and personal growth.
One possible theme could be redemption. Characters might be trying to make up for past mistakes, which is often a powerful and relatable theme.
Love and relationships also play a significant role. Balzac explores different types of love, from passionate and all - consuming to more practical and calculating relationships that are influenced by social and economic factors.
One of the main themes is female self - discovery. In 'The Awakening', the protagonist Edna starts to question the traditional roles assigned to women in society and tries to find her own identity. Another theme could be the struggle against social norms. The characters often face the pressure of conforming to the expectations of their time, whether it's in matters of marriage, family or social behavior.
The themes in 'Short Cuts Selected Stories' might include survival. In some stories, characters may face difficult situations where they have to fight for their survival, either physically or emotionally. Also, the theme of hope could be present. Even in tough times, the characters may hold on to hope and that could be a driving force in the stories. There could also be themes related to social issues, like inequality or discrimination, which the stories might explore through the experiences of the characters.
One of the main themes is the human cost of Partition. Manto shows how people's lives were uprooted and their identities shattered. Another theme is the exploration of human nature, especially in the face of difficult situations like war and social upheaval.
The 'new and selected stories' could potentially be news stories that are both newly reported and carefully selected. They might be related to current events, such as political happenings, technological breakthroughs, or social issues. For example, they could be about a new scientific discovery and other related important stories that were hand - picked for a special report.