Another aspect is the use of language. Beat novels tend to use very vivid and sometimes vulgar language. They break away from the polished language of traditional literature. The writers use language as a tool to express their real, unfiltered feelings and experiences, which gives the novels a very authentic and edgy feel.
The main characteristics include a sense of alienation. The characters often feel detached from mainstream society. For example, in 'On the Road', the protagonists constantly roam, seeking something undefined, showing their discontent with the conformist post - war American society. There's also a focus on spontaneity in writing, with stream - of - consciousness and improvised language being common.
They often feature a sense of wonder. Take 'Peter Pan' for instance. The idea of flying to Neverland and having adventures there is full of wonder. The color and detail in the description of the settings, whether it's a magical city or a hidden forest, are also important characteristics. And most of the time, there is a conflict that is resolved in a way that makes the reader feel good. It could be defeating an evil wizard as in many traditional fantasy stories, but it's done in a way that gives hope and leaves the reader with a positive impression.
Many of the novels in the list of 9/11 novels are characterized by a sense of loss. They often deal with the personal tragedies of those who lost loved ones in the attacks. For example, in 'Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close', the main character is a young boy trying to come to terms with his father's death.
They often have characters who face difficult circumstances. In 'The Kite Runner' by Khaled Hosseini, the main character has to deal with his past mistakes and the complex political situation in Afghanistan. His journey of redemption is filled with sad and poignant moments that make it a tearjerker.
One characteristic is the sense of intimacy. Since it's told from the first - person perspective, the reader gets a closer look into the narrator's thoughts and feelings. For example, in 'The Great Gatsby', Nick's first - person narration makes us understand his view of the events and the characters around him more deeply.
Many British novels are known for their complex characters. For example, in 'Great Expectations' by Charles Dickens, Pip is a character who goes through a lot of changes in his life, which reflects the complexity of human nature.
One characteristic is the exploration of cultural identity. Postcolonial novels often show characters struggling to define themselves in the wake of colonial rule. For example, in 'Things Fall Apart', Okonkwo is caught between his traditional Igbo identity and the new, imposed colonial ways. Another characteristic is the critique of colonial power structures. These novels expose the unfairness and oppression of colonial rule.
Many of the novels in the list of romance novels often have strong character development. For example, in 'Sense and Sensibility', the two sisters, Elinor and Marianne, grow and change as they experience love. Also, they usually have a central love story that drives the plot.
Rebus novels often have hidden messages. For example, they might use symbols within the text that represent something else.
Most protest novels have a strong social or political message. For example, they often expose the injustices in society like discrimination or oppression.