Late imperial Chinese novels often had complex plot structures. They usually incorporated elements of Chinese traditional culture such as Confucian values, Taoist ideas, and Buddhist concepts. For example, 'Dream of the Red Chamber' is a masterpiece of this period, which shows a large family's rise and fall, and reflects various aspects of society at that time, like family ethics, social hierarchy, and the relationship between the sexes.
These novels were sometimes a means of social commentary. They could subtly criticize the social problems of the time, like corruption in the imperial court or the hardships of the common people. Novels like 'Journey to the West' could be seen as a satire in some ways, with the journey of the characters representing the challenges and absurdities in real life.
They often have complex plots. For example, 'Dream of the Red Chamber' has numerous storylines and characters. The social hierarchy is a key aspect, showing different classes from the imperial family to servants.
Shi Nai'an was the author of 'Water Margin'. He created a world full of heroic outlaws, which has been popular for centuries and has influenced many other works both in China and abroad.
Wu Cheng'en is also well - known for 'Journey to the West'. This novel is full of imagination, with vivid descriptions of the adventures of the Monkey King and his companions, and it has had a great influence on Chinese and world literature.
Many late nineteenth century novels focused on social issues. Dickens' novels like 'Oliver Twist' showed the harsh realities of poverty and class differences. These novels were also a reflection of the changing times, as industrialization and urbanization were in full swing. The settings in these novels often included both the bustling city and the idyllic countryside, contrasting the two lifestyles.
They often feature intense battle scenes. 'Cadian Blood' is full of large - scale battles that keep readers on the edge of their seats. These battles show the might and strategy of the Imperial Guard.
Many imperial Russia fiction novels have a strong sense of place. They describe the grand palaces, the vast Russian landscapes, and the cold winters. In 'Anna Karenina', the settings play an important role in the development of the story.
Many Chinese novels in the list have complex plots. For example, 'Dream of the Red Chamber' has a very intricate web of relationships and family politics. They also often have deep cultural roots. 'Journey to the West' is full of Buddhist and Taoist elements.
One characteristic is their long - standing traditions. Chinese novels have a long history of development. They can be very imaginative, like in 'Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio' where there are all kinds of supernatural beings and events. Moreover, Chinese novels usually carry moral lessons. For instance, 'Water Margin' shows the consequences of social injustice and the importance of loyalty among the heroes.
Chinese novels usually have a strong sense of history. They are either set in specific historical periods, like 'Journey to the West' which has elements related to Buddhism's spread in ancient China. And they also have a variety of themes. There are novels about love like 'Lotus Lantern', and novels about social problems such as 'The Scholars'. The language used can also be very poetic and vivid, adding to the overall charm of the novels.
Most Chinese novels have complex character relationships. For example, in 'Dream of the Red Chamber', there are dozens of important characters, and their interactions are very intricate, which makes the story very engaging.