Which Kipling novel do you believe is the best in terms of literary merit?
I would say 'Kim' has a great deal of literary merit. Kipling's detailed descriptions of the landscapes and cultures in India are truly remarkable. His ability to blend different languages and dialects into the dialogue adds authenticity to the story. Also, the character development of Kim as he navigates between different worlds, both the British and the Indian, is complex and nuanced, which is a sign of great literary writing.
Definitely 'Captain Courageous'. Kipling's descriptions of the sea and the fishing life are so vivid that you can almost feel the salt spray. His use of nautical terms and his understanding of the fishing industry at that time make the story seem very real. The character arc of the protagonist from a pampered boy to a self - reliant young man is also well - written, showing Kipling's skill in character development and storytelling.
In terms of literary merit, 'The Jungle Book' stands out. Kipling's use of language to create the animal characters and their distinct voices is masterful. For example, the way he has Baloo speak in a slow, wise way, and Shere Khan with a menacing tone. The overall structure of the stories within the book, with each having its own mini - adventure and moral, is also very well - crafted.
Which Franzen novel is the best in terms of literary merit?
In terms of literary merit, 'The Corrections' is often at the top. It has a rich tapestry of language, complex narrative structure, and a profound understanding of human nature. The way Franzen weaves together the different storylines of the Lambert family members is masterful.
Which Bolano novel is considered the best in terms of literary merit?
In terms of literary merit, '2666' stands out. Its structure is innovative, with different parts that seem to stand alone but are ultimately interconnected. It tackles large - scale themes such as the nature of evil and the role of the artist in society. The writing is both dense and lyrical, drawing the reader into a world that is at once familiar and deeply strange. It's a novel that demands multiple readings to fully appreciate all its nuances.
Which Willa Cather novel is regarded as the best in terms of literary merit?
For me, 'My Ántonia' stands out in terms of literary merit. The way Cather weaves the story of Ántonia, a Bohemian immigrant girl, is masterful. The relationship between the narrator and Ántonia is complex and deeply moving, and the descriptions of the Nebraska landscape add a rich backdrop to the story.
Which William Burroughs novel is regarded as the best in terms of literary merit?
Definitely 'Naked Lunch'. Its experimental style, where Burroughs breaks all the traditional rules of writing, is just amazing. The way it mixes different scenarios, dialogues, and hallucinations is like nothing else. It has had a huge impact on the literary world, inspiring many other writers to be more adventurous with their writing.
Which Canterbury Tales story is considered the best in terms of literary merit?
The Knight's Tale. It is a well - crafted story with a noble and chivalric theme. It has elements of courtly love and honor. The characters are developed in a way that is typical of the high - minded ideals of the knightly class, and the language used is elegant, making it a prime example of Chaucer's skill in writing tales that uphold the values of his society's upper echelons.
Which short story by David Foster Wallace is regarded as the best in terms of literary merit?
'Good Old Neon' stands out in terms of literary merit. Wallace's use of stream - of - consciousness and his ability to create a character who is both relatable and deeply flawed makes it a masterful piece. The story's exploration of self - identity and the lies we tell ourselves is presented in a way that is both engaging and intellectually stimulating.
Which Rushdie novel do you think is the best in terms of its literary value?
For me, 'The Satanic Verses' also holds significant literary value. Despite the controversy, the novel's exploration of different cultural and religious ideas is done in a very intelligent and thought - provoking way. Rushdie's writing style in this book is complex and layered, with multiple storylines and a vast array of characters. It forces the reader to think about the boundaries between different belief systems and how they interact in a globalized world.
Which Fitzgerald novel is the best in terms of literary value?
Definitely 'The Great Gatsby'. Its use of symbolism, like the green light, is masterful. The prose is elegant and the story is both a love story and a social commentary. It has had a huge impact on American literature and is widely studied.
Which Nabokov novel is the best in terms of literary achievement?
Definitely Lolita. Its impact on literature cannot be overstated. It introduced a new way of looking at unreliable narrators and taboo subjects. The prose is so beautifully crafted that it has influenced generations of writers.
Which Turgenev novel is the best in terms of literary value?
I would say 'A Sportsman's Sketches'. This collection of short stories showcases Turgenev's ability to capture the essence of Russian rural life. Each story is like a small portrait of different aspects of the countryside, its people, and their way of life. His descriptions are so vivid that it feels like you are right there in the Russian countryside. It also influenced the social perception of rural Russia at the time, which is an important part of its literary value.