The influence of World War I is a big aspect. Many novels showed the disillusionment and trauma that the war brought. They depicted the destruction of the old order and the search for new meaning in a post - war world. Some works also explored the psychological impact on soldiers and civilians alike.
Thomas Mann is a very notable author. His novel 'Buddenbrooks' is a classic that chronicles the decline of a bourgeois family over generations, providing a deep look into German society at the time.
One important feature is the exploration of social issues. For example, Dickens in 'Oliver Twist' exposed the problems of poverty and child labor in Victorian society. Another feature is the development of complex characters. Writers like Jane Austen created characters with diverse personalities and motives in her novels such as 'Pride and Prejudice'. Also, the use of detailed descriptions of settings was common. Novels often depicted the English countryside or the bustling cities in great detail, which added to the overall atmosphere and authenticity of the stories.
Critique of society. Many novels were a response to the changing social and political landscapes. They were used as a means to comment on capitalism, imperialism, and totalitarian regimes. For example, Aldous Huxley's 'Brave New World' was a scathing critique of a dystopian future shaped by technology and consumerism.
One is 'The Magic Mountain' by Thomas Mann. It's a complex exploration of life, society, and ideas in pre - World War I Europe, set in a sanatorium. Another is 'All Quiet on the Western Front' by Erich Maria Remarque, which vividly depicts the horrors of war from the perspective of German soldiers.
One famous 18th century German novel is 'The Sorrows of Young Werther' by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. It was highly influential and explored themes of love, melancholy, and the struggles of the young protagonist.
Many 17th - century German novels were often influenced by the social and political unrest of the time, such as the Thirty Years' War. They might show the chaos and destruction through their stories.
One of the greatest is 'The Magic Mountain' by Thomas Mann. It explores themes like time, illness, and society through the experiences of Hans Castorp in a sanatorium. Another is 'All Quiet on the Western Front' by Erich Maria Remarque, which gives a brutally honest account of World War I from the perspective of German soldiers.
They often had complex characters. For example, in Goethe's 'Faust', the character Faust is a complex figure full of contradictions, representing the human pursuit of knowledge and power. The settings were also diverse, from small German towns to grand European cities. And the themes usually included moral and philosophical inquiries, like the exploration of good and evil, and the role of the individual in society.
One important 20th century novel is 'To Kill a Mockingbird' by Harper Lee. It deals with themes of racism and injustice in the American South. Another is '1984' by George Orwell, which presents a dystopian future where the government has extreme control over people. 'The Great Gatsby' by F. Scott Fitzgerald is also significant, exploring wealth, love, and the American Dream.
Some important 20th century novels include 'To Kill a Mockingbird' by Harper Lee. It's a powerful story about racial injustice in the South. Another is '1984' by George Orwell, which depicts a totalitarian future. 'The Great Gatsby' by F. Scott Fitzgerald is also significant, exploring themes of wealth, love, and the American Dream.