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.
It might focus on survival or problem-solving. Maybe it's about how people cope when technology fails and they have to rely on their wits.
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.
The themes in major American short stories are quite diverse. There is the theme of the frontier spirit, which was very important in the early days of America. It represents the idea of exploration, adventure, and the unknown. Social inequality is another big theme. Writers often show how different classes or races are treated unfairly. And then there is the theme of moral ambiguity. Characters are not always clearly good or bad, but rather exist in a gray area, which makes the stories more complex and thought - provoking.
Love, friendship, and self-discovery are common themes. These often form the core of many short stories, exploring the human experience in various ways.
One common theme could be change. Since 'by and by' implies the passage of time, stories might focus on how characters or situations change over time. For example, a character might start off naive and become wise as the story progresses.
Love is a very common theme. It can be romantic love, like in stories where two characters overcome obstacles to be together. Another common theme is friendship. Stories often show how friends support each other through difficult times. Also, the theme of death and loss is frequently explored, where characters deal with the pain of losing someone or something dear to them.
Common themes could include forbidden desires, self-discovery through sexual experiences, or the impact of sex on relationships. Different stories might focus on different aspects, though.
Isolation is also typical. When there is darkness, characters often feel alone. They might be cut off from others, like in a town surrounded by a dark fog where no one can get in or out. This makes their situation seem more desperate. Moreover, the theme of hope often emerges as well. Despite the overwhelming darkness, there is usually a glimmer of hope that the characters hold on to, whether it's finding a way to escape the darkness or bringing back the light.
One common theme is survival. When a character is trapped, they have to fight for their survival, whether it's against the elements, another person, or their own mental state. For example, in 'The Pit and the Pendulum', the man has to figure out how to escape the dungeon and the approaching pendulum to survive.
Fear is a very common theme. Monsters often represent the unknown and the things that people are afraid of. Another theme is heroism, like in stories where a character faces the monster bravely. Also, mystery. The origin of the monster or how to defeat it usually has an element of mystery.