Often, modern working - class novels also deal with issues of social mobility. They might show characters trying to break free from the cycle of poverty and the limitations of their working - class background, either through education or some form of self - improvement.
One characteristic is the portrayal of the harsh living and working conditions. They often show the struggles of the working class in factories, mines etc. For example, in 'Hard Times' by Dickens, the industrial town setting and the difficult lives of the workers are vividly depicted.
One characteristic is the portrayal of economic struggle. These stories often show how the working - class characters face poverty, like in 'Sweat' where the main character has to work hard just to make ends meet. Another is the sense of limited opportunity. In many such stories, characters don't have much room for upward mobility. For example, in 'A&P', the young clerk's act of rebellion doesn't really lead to a big change in his life situation.
One of the best is 'The Grapes of Wrath' by John Steinbeck. It vividly depicts the struggles of the working - class during the Great Depression as they face poverty, displacement, and exploitation. Another is 'Hard Times' by Charles Dickens, which shows the harsh conditions of the working class in an industrial society. And 'Germinal' by Émile Zola is also great, portraying the miners' difficult lives and their fight for better conditions.
'The Ragged - Trousered Philanthropists' is a well - known one. It vividly portrays the lives of working - class people in the early 20th century, highlighting their exploitation by the capitalist system.
Well, 'Jude the Obscure' by Thomas Hardy can be considered among classic working class novels. It tells the story of Jude, a working - class man with big dreams but facing many social and economic hardships. Then there's 'Sons and Lovers' by D. H. Lawrence, which delves into the life of a working - class family, exploring themes like class differences and family relationships. And 'Candida' by George Bernard Shaw also gives insights into the working - class situation through its characters and plot.
One of the best is 'Saturday Night and Sunday Morning' by Alan Sillitoe. It vividly portrays the life of a young factory worker in Nottingham. Another great one is 'A Taste of Honey' by Shelagh Delaney, which explores the relationship between a young working - class girl and her mother. 'The Ragged - Trousered Philanthropists' by Robert Tressell is also a classic, showing the exploitation of workers in the building trade.
Characteristics of life class novels include the portrayal of human nature in different situations. In 'Jane Eyre', we see the protagonist's struggle between her own desires and moral principles. They also often have a narrative arc that reflects the passage of time and the changes in the characters' lives. In 'David Copperfield', we follow his growth from a young boy to a man. And they may use language that is accessible and engaging, so that readers can easily immerse themselves in the story and the life - like situations presented.
Class set novels often have common themes. For example, they might focus on coming - of - age stories, which help students understand the process of growing up. They also usually have relatable characters that students can identify with, such as a young hero or heroine facing challenges at school or in their family. Another characteristic is that they are written in a language level appropriate for the class, not too difficult or too easy, to facilitate reading comprehension.
A class set of novels typically has characteristics that make them suitable for group study. They usually have engaging plots to keep the students interested. These novels might also have relatable characters, which allow students to make connections and better understand the story. Additionally, they could be from well - known authors, which adds credibility and often means they have been well - written and edited.
One characteristic is the portrayal of a highly unequal society. There are often distinct social classes, with the lower classes oppressed and having limited resources and rights. Another is the sense of hopelessness. The systems in place seem unchangeable, and characters struggle against a powerful and unjust social order. For example, in 'Brave New World', there are the Alphas at the top, and the Epsilons at the bottom, with the lower classes conditioned to accept their lot.