What are the common themes in historical fiction?

Common themes in historical fiction include power struggles. This could be between different kingdoms, political parties, or social classes. For instance, in stories about the Tudor period in England, there are often power struggles within the royal family. Cultural clashes are also frequent. When different cultures meet, like during the age of exploration, it creates interesting themes in historical fiction. And then there's the theme of survival. Characters in historical fictions often have to survive in difficult historical circumstances, like a famine or a plague.

The theme of identity is important in historical fiction. Characters might struggle with their national, ethnic, or social identity in a particular historical context. Revolutions are also a theme. These events bring about significant changes and upheavals, and historical fictions can explore the causes and consequences. Additionally, class struggle, such as the conflict between the rich and the poor in historical societies, is a recurring theme.

One common theme is grief. Characters in these fictions often deal with the loss of loved ones in the attacks, like in 'Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close'.

One common theme is love and relationships. In historical settings, love can be complicated by social class, family expectations, and cultural norms. Another theme is power and politics. This can involve struggles between different groups for control of a region or a nation. War is also a common theme, showing the impact on individuals and society.

One common theme is survival. Orphans in historical settings often had to fight to stay alive, whether it was finding food and shelter or avoiding dangerous people.

One common theme is the Mexican Revolution. Many works use this period as a backdrop to explore how the upheaval affected ordinary people's lives, relationships, and values. For example, in some novels, characters might be forced to choose sides, and their choices often reflect the larger ideological battles of the time.

One common theme is the struggle for independence. Many works depict the fight against British colonial rule.

The theme of heroism is also prevalent. There are those who risk their lives to save others, whether it's a soldier on the battlefield or a civilian helping Jews escape the Nazis. Additionally, the theme of moral ambiguity is there. The line between right and wrong can get blurred in the chaos of war.

One common theme is war. Since Athens has a long history of battles, like the Peloponnesian War. Another theme is democracy as Athens was the birthplace of democracy. Also, mythology often plays a role as Greek mythology was an integral part of Athenian culture.

In womens historical fiction, the theme of oppression and resistance is quite prevalent. Women have faced various forms of oppression throughout history, be it social, cultural, or political. And they have also shown great resistance. For example, in stories set during the suffrage movement, women fought against the patriarchal system. The theme of self - discovery is also important. As women navigated through the constraints of their historical times, they often had to discover their own identities, desires, and capabilities. Additionally, the impact of war on women is a common theme. Wars not only disrupted lives but also changed the roles and expectations of women.