They also cover a wide range of themes. There are novels about love and family, like 'Little Women' which shows the growth and relationships of the March sisters. And then there are those that deal with social issues such as inequality and war.
The writing styles vary greatly too. Some are written in a very descriptive and flowery style, like some of the works from the Romantic period in American literature. While others are more concise and modern in their approach, aiming to quickly get to the point and engage the reader in a fast - paced narrative.
Some well - known PBS best American novels could include 'The Great Gatsby' by F. Scott Fitzgerald. It's a classic that explores themes of wealth, love, and the American Dream. The story is set in the 1920s and follows Jay Gatsby's pursuit of Daisy Buchanan.
Well, one characteristic is their longevity in terms of being relevant. 'The Catcher in the Rye' has remained popular for decades as it captures the angst and confusion of adolescence. They also often have a distinct narrative style. 'Heart of Darkness' has a unique, stream - of - consciousness - like style that draws readers into the dark and mysterious world of the Congo.
Some well - known novels in the 'pbs 100 greatest american novels' might be 'The Great Gatsby' by F. Scott Fitzgerald. It's a classic that explores themes of wealth, love, and the American Dream. Another could be 'To Kill a Mockingbird' by Harper Lee, which deals with racial injustice in the South.
Some well - known ones could be 'The Great Gatsby' by F. Scott Fitzgerald. It's a classic that explores themes of wealth, love, and the American Dream.
Well, 'Moby - Dick' by Herman Melville is surely among them. This novel is famous for its in - depth exploration of obsession and the human struggle against nature. 'The Catcher in the Rye' by J.D. Salinger also likely makes the list, with its relatable yet troubled teenage protagonist Holden Caulfield.
They often deal with profound themes. Take '1984' by George Orwell. It explores themes of totalitarianism, surveillance, and the loss of individual freedom. The dystopian world it creates is both terrifying and thought - provoking.
The characters in these novels are very well - crafted. Take Holden Caulfield in 'The Catcher in the Rye' for instance. His voice is so unique and his struggle with growing up and the phoniness of the adult world is relatable. These novels have a way of capturing the essence of the American experience, whether it's about immigration, race relations, or the pursuit of happiness. That's what makes them special.
Well, in the PBS Great American Read novels, 'The Great Gatsby' stands out. It shows the decadence and the American Dream of the Jazz Age. Fitzgerald's writing is so vivid in depicting the parties and the characters' desires. Also, 'Moby - Dick' is there. It's a complex exploration of obsession and man's struggle against nature. Then there's 'The Catcher in the Rye', which is very relatable for many in terms of teenage angst and the search for identity.
I'm not entirely sure how they were selected. It could be based on their literary merit, like their use of language, character development, and plot complexity. Maybe also their influence on American culture over time.
I'm not entirely sure about the specific criteria for selection. It might have been based on factors like literary significance, cultural impact, and critical acclaim over time.