Common themes present in Thomas Kyd's plays include revenge, deception, madness, and the conflict between appearance and reality. Revenge is a central theme, as seen in his most famous work, "The Spanish Tragedy," where the protagonist seeks vengeance for the murder of his son. Deception is another prevalent theme, as characters engage in manipulation and disguise to achieve their goals. Madness is a recurring motif, with characters often descending into madness or feigning it for various purposes. Additionally, Kyd explores the tension between appearance and reality, highlighting the complexities and contradictions that exist beneath the surface of human behavior and society.
