Gilded Age fiction books often reflected the great disparities in wealth. For example, in Edith Wharton's works, she depicted the opulent lifestyles of the rich and the struggles of those on the fringes of society. They also showed the rapid industrialization. Many stories had characters dealing with the new economic forces at play. Like in Dreiser's works where characters were trying to make it in the cut - throat urban business world.
Another aspect was the role of women. Many gilded age historical fictions explored the limited opportunities for women. They were often restricted to domestic roles, and stories would show their attempts to break free from these traditional constraints, whether through education, art, or other means. These fictions thus provided a window into the complex social fabric of the Gilded Age.
Science fiction in the 1700s often reflected the society's growing interest in science and exploration. For example, early ideas about traveling to far - off places, like the moon, were a way to show the human desire for discovery. It also reflected the social hierarchies of the time. In some stories, the characters' status in society affected how they interacted with new or strange things. And the fear of the unknown, which was a big part of society then, was also shown in science fiction. If something new and scientific was introduced in a story, it was often met with suspicion, just like in real - life society.
1800s fiction provided a comprehensive view of society. In terms of economy, the rise of capitalism was reflected. For instance, in some works, the business - minded characters were either heroes or villains. Religion was also a factor. 'The Scarlet Letter' was deeply influenced by Puritan beliefs. The family structure was shown as well. Works often explored the relationships within families, like in 'Wuthering Heights' where the complex family ties and feuds were central to the story, all of which were characteristic of the 1800s society.
Early 20th - century fiction books often reflected the social upheavals of the time. For example, in 'The Great Gatsby', the excessive parties and wealth - seeking behavior of the characters showed the hedonistic side of the American society during the Roaring Twenties. The class differences were also prominent, like the divide between the rich like Gatsby and the more established upper - class families.
In the 1920s, fiction novels were a mirror of the society. 'The Sun Also Rises' was a clear indication of the disillusionment of the post - World War I generation. The characters' aimless wandering and search for purpose were common among the young people who had witnessed the horrors of the war. Novels also showed the changing gender roles. In 'Gentlemen Prefer Blondes', the female characters were more assertive in their pursuit of what they wanted, be it love or money, which was a new trend in the 1920s flapper culture.
1933 novels like 'The Grapes of Wrath' reflected the economic hardships of the Great Depression. It showed the displacement of farmers and the difficult living conditions. Novels of that year often dealt with themes of poverty, struggle, and the search for a better life. They were a mirror of the society's problems.
1926 novels often reflected the post - war disillusionment. For example, in 'The Sun Also Rises', the characters' hedonistic lifestyle and lack of clear purpose showed the lost feeling of the generation. They were trying to find meaning after the destruction of the war.
Victorian era historical fiction was a mirror of the society's values and anxieties. The emphasis on propriety and respectability was a common theme. In 'The Picture of Dorian Gray', Wilde explored the hidden vices beneath the veneer of Victorian respectability. The family structure was also a big part of it. Many stories had a focus on family relationships, inheritance, and the impact of family reputation on individuals, as seen in various Dickens novels.
It reflected through the portrayal of classes. For example, in Dickens' works, we can see the clear divide between the rich and the poor. The rich often had luxurious lifestyles while the poor struggled in slums.
18th - century historical fiction often showed the class differences. For example, in 'Tom Jones', the different behaviors and opportunities of the upper and lower classes were depicted. It also reflected the political climate. Novels might touch on the power struggles and ideas like democracy emerging at that time. And the role of women was a common theme, as in 'Evelina' where we can see the limited options and strict social norms for women in 18th - century society.