* Apartheid and its effects: This is arguably the dominant theme. These writers explored the social, political, and psychological impact of apartheid on individuals and communities, often from the perspective of Afrikaners grappling with the system's contradictions and injustices. This included explorations of guilt, complicity, resistance, and the psychological toll of oppression.
* Rural life and the changing landscape of the South African countryside: Many Focus writers depicted the lives of farmers and rural communities, often illustrating the hardships faced by these populations and the transformations brought about by modernization and urbanization. The land itself became a potent symbol, often reflecting the struggles for identity and ownership.
* Identity and belonging: The complexities of Afrikaner identity are central, grappling with the legacy of colonialism, the changing political landscape, and the challenges of forging a new sense of self in a rapidly evolving society. This also extended to exploring the identities of other racial groups affected by apartheid, though perhaps less directly within the core "Focus" group.
* Language and literature: The use of the Afrikaans language itself became a powerful theme. Writers grappled with the language's role in shaping Afrikaner identity, its limitations in expressing the experiences of a multiracial society, and its potential for resisting or perpetuating oppression. The very act of writing in Afrikaans became a form of resistance for some.
* Moral and ethical dilemmas: The writers often explored the moral ambiguities of living under apartheid. Characters were often forced to confront difficult choices, highlighting the moral compromises and internal conflicts inherent in a system built on injustice.
It's important to note that the "Focus" group wasn't monolithic, and individual writers within the broader designation explored these themes with varying degrees of emphasis and from different perspectives. Some were more critical of apartheid, while others offered more nuanced or ambivalent portrayals. However, the themes listed above represent the common ground that generally unites the works of writers associated with this significant period in Afrikaans literature.