Morality was a big theme too. 19th - century novels were full of moral lessons. They explored what was right and wrong in different situations. Take 'Oliver Twist' as an example. The novel showed the immoral behavior of some people in the face of poverty and the importance of kindness and justice. The contrast between good and evil was often highlighted to teach readers about proper behavior.
The theme of nature was also present. Some novels used nature as a backdrop or as a symbol. In works like Henry David Thoreau's 'Walden', nature was a place of refuge and self - reflection. It was seen as something pure and uncorrupted compared to the often - complex and corrupt human society. Nature could also represent freedom, as characters might find a sense of liberation in the natural world away from the constraints of society.
A common theme is the changing concept of the American Dream. In many novels, like Steinbeck's 'The Grapes of Wrath', the dream of prosperity and a better life is shattered by economic hardships and social inequalities. The Joad family's struggle during the Dust Bowl era shows how difficult it was for ordinary people to achieve their dreams.
One major theme is the disillusionment after the World Wars. Novels often showed the shattered hopes and the psychological trauma of the people. For example, in 'All Quiet on the Western Front', the horror of war was vividly depicted.
Caste and class differences are also significant themes. Novels like 'Untouchable' by Mulk Raj Anand highlight the plight of the lower castes in India. These works aim to create awareness and bring about social change. They show how the caste system affects every aspect of people's lives, from their opportunities to their relationships. In addition, the theme of love often intersects with caste, creating complex and often tragic storylines.
One major theme was social class. Novels like 'Pride and Prejudice' by Jane Austen explored the differences between the upper and middle classes, showing how class influenced relationships and social mobility.
One major theme is social class. For example, in novels like "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen, which was still highly influential in the 20th century in terms of class analysis. Another theme is the impact of war. Many 20th - century British novels such as "All Quiet on the Western Front" showed the horrors and consequences of war on individuals and society. Also, the exploration of human relationships, like love and friendship, was common. Novels often delved into how people interacted with one another in different social and personal contexts.
One major theme was the aftermath of World War I. Novels often depicted the disillusionment and psychological trauma that soldiers and civilians alike faced. For example, in many works, characters were shown struggling to find meaning in a world that had been so brutally shaken by the war.
One major theme is class struggle. For example, in "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen, the different social classes and their interactions are explored. Another theme is the changing role of women. Novels like "Mrs. Dalloway" by Virginia Woolf show women's inner thoughts and their search for identity in a male - dominated society. Also, the impact of war is a significant theme, as seen in "Atonement" which depicts how war affects the lives and relationships of the characters.
The themes of disillusionment and the loss of innocence are significant in 20th century fiction. In 'Lord of the Flies', the boys start out innocent but as the story progresses, they become more savage, showing the loss of their initial innocence. Modernity and its effects are also a theme. With the rapid technological and social changes, characters in novels often struggle to adapt. For instance, in some dystopian novels of the 20th century, the negative impacts of extreme modernization are explored.
There is 'The Canterbury Tales' by Geoffrey Chaucer. This work gives a vivid picture of different social classes in the 15th century through the stories told by a group of pilgrims on a journey. Each tale has its own charm and reveals different aspects of the society, from the bawdy to the pious.
Sure. 'Don Quixote' by Miguel de Cervantes is a very well - known 17th - century novel. It tells the story of a man who is so influenced by chivalric romances that he sets out on absurd adventures. Another one is 'The Canterbury Tales' by Geoffrey Chaucer, which, although it was started in the 14th century, was still highly influential in the 17th century. It gives a vivid picture of different types of people in medieval England through the stories they tell on a pilgrimage.