The best European classic novels usually have rich language. 'The Divine Comedy' has Dante's elaborate descriptions of the afterlife. They also offer different perspectives on morality. 'Crime and Punishment' makes you question what is right and wrong. Moreover, they can capture the essence of different historical periods. 'Wuthering Heights' reflects the rural Yorkshire society of the time with its own unique customs and relationships.
Often, they have a strong sense of place. 'War and Peace' vividly depicts Russia during the Napoleonic era. They also tend to have timeless themes. 'Madame Bovary' deals with themes of dissatisfaction and the search for something more, which are still relevant today. And they can be highly influential in terms of literary style. 'Ulysses' is known for its experimental and stream - of - consciousness style.
European classic novels often have complex characters. Take 'Anna Karenina' by Tolstoy, Anna is a multi - faceted character. They also tend to have long - drawn - out plots that unfold slowly. 'The Count of Monte Cristo' by Alexandre Dumas has a plot that spans years and involves many twists and turns. Moreover, they usually carry some moral or philosophical messages, as seen in 'The Picture of Dorian Gray' by Oscar Wilde.
Often, they tend to have a strong sense of place. For example, novels set in Russia like 'War and Peace' by Leo Tolstoy vividly depict the vast Russian landscape and the different social strata within it. The climate, the architecture, and the way of life are all important elements.
Well, a key characteristic of the best new European crime novels is the strong sense of suspense. Authors build up the tension gradually, keeping readers hooked until the very end. They also often feature morally ambiguous characters. These are not just clear - cut heroes and villains. For instance, a detective might bend the rules to solve a case, or a criminal might have a sympathetic backstory. And the writing style is usually very detailed, painting a clear picture of the crime scenes and the characters' lives.
One characteristic is their rich exploration of human emotions. They often dig deep into feelings like love, hate, jealousy, and loneliness. For instance, many stories show how characters deal with unrequited love or the breakdown of relationships.
They usually feature morally ambiguous characters. Spies are often not simply good or bad. They have to make difficult choices in a world full of deception. For instance, in 'The Spy Who Came in from the Cold', the main character is constantly torn between different loyalties. And these novels tend to have intricate plots. There are many twists and turns, like in 'The Day of the Jackal' where the assassin's every move is carefully planned and counter - planned, making for a very exciting read.
European mystery novels often have complex plots. They usually involve a lot of twists and turns. For example, in 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo', the story keeps revealing new secrets.
One characteristic is their exploration of complex human nature. For example, in 'Crime and Punishment' by Dostoevsky, the protagonist's inner turmoil after committing a crime shows a deep dive into the human psyche. Another is the rich cultural and historical context. 'The Three Musketeers' by Alexandre Dumas is set in a specific period of French history and gives readers a sense of that time. Also, many famous European novels have a strong sense of place, like 'Wuthering Heights' by Emily Bronte, where the moors play a crucial role in the story.
One characteristic is the detailed historical settings. For example, in 'War and Peace', Tolstoy painstakingly recreates the battle scenes, the social hierarchies, and the daily life of people during the Napoleonic Wars. Another is the exploration of complex characters within the historical context. In 'The Name of the Rose', the characters are shaped by the religious and intellectual climate of the medieval monastery. Also, European history novels often deal with themes like power, love, and morality against the backdrop of historical events.
They frequently use the local folklore and superstitions. In different European countries, there are unique supernatural beliefs that are incorporated into the horror stories. For instance, in some Slavic horror novels, they might use elements from their local tales of witches and demons. The characters in European horror novels are often complex, not just simple victims or villains. In 'Frankenstein', the monster has a sympathetic side as well as a terrifying one.
One characteristic is their historical significance. These novels often reflect the times in which they were written. 'The Iliad' and 'The Odyssey' give us insights into ancient Greek society, its values, and its mythology. Another aspect is their influence on later literature. Many of these classics have inspired countless other works, both in terms of themes and narrative techniques. And they tend to have rich language, using vivid descriptions and nuanced dialogue to bring the stories and characters to life.