Symbolism was key. The use of symbols like the Holy Grail in Arthurian legends. The grail represented not just a physical object but also spiritual purity, a quest for truth, and a mystery that knights were desperate to solve. It added a layer of depth and mystery to the story.
Complex characters. In 12th - century mystery novels, the characters are often multi - faceted. For example, in 'The Canterbury Tales', the pilgrims each have their own secrets and motives that add to the mystery. They may seem one way on the surface but are revealed to be quite different as their stories unfold.
The 19th - century mystery novels often featured a slow - burn build - up. They didn't rush into the mystery but rather took time to introduce the setting, the characters, and the initial situation. This made the later revelations more impactful. The language used was also quite elaborate and descriptive. Writers would use long, detailed sentences to paint a vivid picture of the scenes and the emotions of the characters. And they often incorporated elements of the supernatural or the unknown, whether it was a strange apparition or a seemingly inexplicable event, which added to the overall mystery.
One characteristic is the use of complex and often convoluted plots. Writers like to keep readers guessing until the very end. For example, in 'And Then There Were None' by Agatha Christie, the plot twists and turns constantly.
The settings were often very detailed. Take the Sherlock Holmes stories again. The descriptions of London, from the fog - covered streets to the seedy alleys, added to the atmosphere of mystery. Also, the characters in these novels were typically well - defined, with distinct personalities that contributed to the overall mystery and suspense of the story.
One characteristic is the complex and often convoluted plots. These novels liked to keep readers guessing with multiple twists and turns. For example, in 'The Woman in White', the identity of the woman in white herself is a mystery that is slowly unraveled through a web of lies and deceptions.
Often, they blend local culture. For instance, they might incorporate elements like Turkish coffee houses which could be settings for mystery - related conversations.
Well, 19th - century Irish mystery novels typically incorporated elements of Irish folklore and superstition. This added an extra layer of mystery. The characters were often complex, with hidden motives and secrets. The writing style was usually detailed, painting vivid pictures of the Irish society of the time. And there was a sense of the unknown lurking in the background, whether it was a hidden family secret or a strange apparition. These novels also sometimes explored themes of morality and the darker side of human nature in the context of the Irish setting.
One characteristic is the exploration of social classes. Novels like 'Pride and Prejudice' showed the differences between the upper and middle classes. Also, there was a focus on moral and ethical lessons. Many 18th - century novels aimed to teach readers about proper behavior and values through the characters' experiences.
One characteristic is the complex character development. In 19th - century novels like 'Pride and Prejudice', characters such as Elizabeth Bennet are multi - faceted. Another is the exploration of social issues. Dickens' works often delved into poverty and class struggle. Also, the detailed descriptions of settings were common, creating vivid pictures of the era.
The 18th - century novels often had a focus on realism. They depicted the daily lives, social classes, and moral issues of the time. For example, in 'Tom Jones' by Henry Fielding, the story is full of vivid descriptions of different social strata in England, from the rural areas to the city. Novels of this century also tended to be quite long and episodic, following the adventures of the main characters over a long period.
One characteristic was the focus on the individual. Novels often explored the inner thoughts and feelings of characters in great detail. For example, in 'Jane Eyre' by Charlotte Bronte, we see the protagonist's complex emotions and her struggle for self - identity.