Many of the first English novels had a strong influence from folklore and mythology. Their language was relatively straightforward compared to modern novels. They also tended to be episodic in nature. Take 'The Canterbury Tales' for instance. It consists of a collection of stories told by different pilgrims, each with its own little plot, yet all together they form a larger work. The characters in these early novels were often stock characters, representing certain types in society like the noble knight or the cunning peasant.
The first English novels frequently had a religious or superstitious undertone. They were written in a time when the Church had a great influence. So, religious themes such as sin, redemption, and divine providence were common. These novels also sometimes served as a form of entertainment for the upper classes. Their readership was limited compared to today, and they were often hand - copied or printed in small quantities. They lacked the complex psychological exploration that we see in modern novels, but instead focused more on external events and actions of the characters.
The first English novels often had simple plots. They were mainly focused on moral lessons. For example, 'Le Morte d'Arthur' was not only a story but also a means to teach knightly virtues.
Many of the first English novels had a strong connection to oral storytelling traditions. For example, 'The Canterbury Tales' was like a collection of stories that could be told aloud.
The first English novels were often long and detailed, with complex storylines and a focus on character development.
Geoffrey Chaucer, the author of what is considered the first English novel, was highly observant. He was able to depict a wide range of characters from different walks of life.
A first class English story usually has a clear theme. It could be about friendship, like in 'Charlotte's Web'. The story can also be full of twists and turns to keep the reader interested. And it may have cultural or moral lessons within it, which make it more than just an entertaining piece.
English novels often have rich character development. For example, in 'Middlemarch', George Eliot creates a whole range of complex characters. Also, they usually explore deep themes such as love, society, and morality. 'Sense and Sensibility' is a good illustration of exploring different attitudes towards love and relationships.
For Le Morte d'Arthur, a key characteristic is its focus on heroic and chivalric themes. It presents a world full of knights, quests, and courtly love. The complex web of relationships between the characters, especially around King Arthur, is another aspect. The narrative structure is somewhat episodic, with different adventures of the knights being recounted, which was a common feature in early forms of long - form fictional works.
The first short stories in English literature sometimes had a strong oral tradition influence. They were stories that could be easily told and passed on. They might have had a lot of repetition for emphasis, and the themes were often related to common human experiences like love, death, and survival. Also, they were likely to be written in a more accessible style, making them suitable for a wide range of audiences at that time.
One characteristic is that they are very influential. 'The Great Gatsby' has influenced many other works of literature and even movies. They also tend to have well - crafted plots. 'Lord of the Flies' has a gradually developing plot from the boys' initial hope to their descent into savagery, which is both engaging and thought - provoking.
The social context was a big influence. Novels like 'David Copperfield' showed the class differences and the struggles of the poor in Victorian society. The settings were detailed, whether it was the city streets or the rural areas. They also had elaborate plotlines that often involved themes of love, family, and social mobility. In 'Wuthering Heights', the love between Heathcliff and Catherine is intertwined with issues of class and revenge, making for a very complex plot.
English novels often have rich character development. For example, in Dickens' novels, the characters are so vivid that they seem to jump out of the pages. They also have diverse themes, like love in 'Romeo and Juliet', and social criticism in 'Hard Times'.