If looking at other potential early works with homoerotic elements like some ancient Greek literature, a feature could be the integration of same - sex relationships within the overall fabric of society as it was depicted in those works. In Greek mythology and literature, male - male relationships were sometimes presented as a normal part of the social and cultural landscape, though with different connotations than modern understandings.
If we consider 'The Picture of Dorian Gray', one feature is its use of subtext. Wilde couldn't be too explicit given the Victorian era's moral climate, so he used symbolism and veiled language to convey homoerotic undertones. For instance, the relationship between Dorian and Lord Henry has a certain intensity that goes beyond a simple friendship.
One of the early examples often cited is the character of Patroclus in Homer's 'Iliad'. While the concept of homosexuality as we understand it today was different in the context of ancient Greek society, the relationship between Patroclus and Achilles was a very deep and affectionate one that has been analyzed in terms of homoerotic elements.
Taking 'The True History' into account, its feature was the concept of space exploration and alien life. It was one of the first to imagine traveling to other planets and encountering different species, which is a staple in modern scifi.
For 'The Tale of Genji', a major feature is its exploration of human emotions. It delves deep into love, jealousy, and longing. Also, its long - form narrative was quite innovative for its time. It was able to sustain a story over a great length, following the protagonist Genji through different stages of his life.
If we consider 'The Perfumed Garden' as one of the early contenders, it has detailed descriptions of sexual encounters. It also gives cultural insights into the views on sex in its time, like the roles of men and women in sexual relationships.
The first Canadian novel, 'The History of Emily Montague', features a detailed description of the Quebec setting. It shows the natural beauty of the area.
They also served as a way for authors to explore complex human emotions and relationships. In 'Death in Venice', Mann was able to explore themes of unrequited love, self - denial, and the power of attraction in a way that was not common in mainstream literature at the time. It made readers think about different forms of love and desire.
There are other works from different cultures as well that could be argued as among the first. For example, in Chinese literature, 'The Carnal Prayer Mat' by Li Yu has homoerotic elements, though it is a complex work that encompasses many aspects of sexuality and relationships in a broader sense.
One feature could be its unique plot. It might have been different from other novels at that time.
The first crime fiction novel, 'The Murders in the Rue Morgue', had a brilliant detective, C. Auguste Dupin. It had a complex mystery, specifically a locked - room type of mystery which was quite novel at the time.
Well, one feature could be the use of Arabic calligraphy or art styles in the illustrations. Another might be the inclusion of traditional Arabic stories or folklore in its narrative.