We can also look at the themes they explore. The best time period novels often deal with timeless themes within a specific historical context. Take 'One Hundred Years of Solitude' for instance. Set in a fictional South American town over a long period, it explores family, love, and the passage of time while also reflecting on the region's history. Another factor is the impact they have had on literature and culture. Novels like 'The Canterbury Tales' have not only given us a peek into medieval England but have also influenced generations of writers.
One way is to look at long - term sales figures. Publishers often keep records of how many copies of a book have been sold over the years. For example, if a book has been in print for decades and has sold millions of copies, it's likely an all - time best - selling novel.
One way is to look at how well the adaptation captures the essence of the characters. If the characters in the adaptation feel like the ones from the novel, it's a good sign. For example, in a good 'Sherlock Holmes' adaptation, Holmes should be as brilliant and eccentric as in the original stories. Another aspect is the faithfulness to the plot. While some changes are often necessary, the main plot points should be there. Like in 'The Hunger Games' adaptations, the key events of the games and the political undertones were retained. Also, the atmosphere of the novel should be recreated. A good 'Dracula' adaptation should be spooky and gothic, just like the Bram Stoker's novel.
The best conclusions also have an emotional impact. It could be a happy ending that makes you feel warm, like in a romantic novel where the couple gets married. Or it could be a sad ending that makes you think deeply, such as in a war novel where the main character sacrifices themselves. A conclusion that elicits strong emotions is likely to be a good one.
First, look for conclusions that tie up the main plotlines neatly. For example, if a novel is about a mystery, a good conclusion will solve that mystery clearly. Second, consider if the conclusion reflects on the novel's themes. In 'Animal Farm', the final state of the farm and the animals' situation clearly reflects on the themes of power and corruption. Third, an effective conclusion can leave an emotional impact, like in 'The Catcher in the Rye' where Holden's uncertain future makes you think about youth and growing up.
A monologue that has a strong emotional impact can be considered one of the best. Take 'The Great Gatsby' for instance. Gatsby's monologues about his love for Daisy are full of longing and desperation. These monologues not only show his character but also the futility of the American Dream in some ways. They are memorable because they evoke strong emotions in the reader.
Well, one way is to look at the depth of character development across generations. If the novel can make you understand and feel for the characters from different age groups in the family, it's likely a good one. For example, in 'To Kill a Mockingbird', the relationship between Scout, Jem and their father Atticus Finch shows different generational perspectives.
Well, one way is through the emotional impact they have. If a paragraph makes you feel deeply, like cry or laugh out loud, it could be a great one. For example, in 'The Fault in Our Stars', there are paragraphs that are so heart - wrenching about the characters' battle with cancer that they really stick with you.
One way is to look at the reviews. If a novel has been machine - translated and readers from different language backgrounds give positive feedback on how well they could understand the story, it might be a good one. For example, if international readers of a translated Japanese novel say that they could easily follow the plot and the cultural nuances, it could be considered among the best.
Look for lines that seem to sum up the main theme. For example, in a story about friendship, a quote like 'True friends are like diamonds - bright, beautiful, valuable, and always in style' would be a good one. It directly relates to the theme of friendship.
Look for the actions of the main characters. If a character is rewarded for doing good, like helping others, then that's a clue to a positive moral such as altruism. For instance, in stories where a hero saves a village, the moral might be about selflessness.