Well, often they have complex characters with internal struggles. For example, in Dostoevsky's works, the characters are constantly wrestling with moral and philosophical questions. They also tend to depict a rather harsh social reality, like in Solzhenitsyn's novels, which forms the backdrop against which the characters' existential crises unfold.
Many Russian existential novels are rich in symbolism. In 'Notes from Underground', the underground man himself can be seen as a symbol of the alienated individual in society. The settings, too, can be symbolic. The cancer ward in Solzhenitsyn's 'Cancer Ward' is not just a physical place but also represents the state of the characters' lives - a place of suffering, waiting, and introspection. The language used is often profound and thought - provoking, making the reader really stop and consider the existential questions presented.
One of the famous Russian existential novels is 'Notes from Underground' by Fyodor Dostoevsky. It delves into the psyche of a bitter and alienated man, exploring themes of free will, self - consciousness, and the human struggle against the constraints of society.
Most of them are deeply philosophical. In 'The Brothers Karamazov', there are long discussions about God, good and evil, and human nature. Another characteristic is their exploration of the social fabric. 'Anna Karenina' shows the class differences and the strict social norms of Russian aristocracy at that time. They usually have a rich narrative style that can draw readers into the complex web of stories.
Famous Russian love novels are known for their intensity. In 'Anna Karenina', Anna's love is all - consuming. They also often show the contrast between love and the harsh reality. 'Doctor Zhivago' shows how love has to survive in a time of war and revolution. Moreover, they can be very psychological. The characters' inner thoughts and feelings about love are explored in great detail, like in 'A Hero of Our Time', where the protagonist's views on love are shaped by his past experiences.
Well, take Prince Myshkin from 'The Idiot'. He is extremely kind - hearted and naive, which often makes him seem out of place in the cynical society depicted in the novel. His simplicity is both his strength and his weakness.
Existential mystery novels often feature characters who are in search of meaning. For example, in many such novels, the protagonist may be facing a personal crisis that forces them to question their purpose in life. This internal struggle is a key characteristic.
Existential novels typically feature an intense focus on the self. The characters are often in a state of self - reflection, trying to figure out who they are. In 'Steppenwolf', Harry Haller is constantly examining his own identity. Another key aspect is the exploration of alienation. The protagonists usually feel detached from society, as seen in 'The Trial' where Josef K. is an outsider in a strange and unyielding legal system. Moreover, they tend to question the existence of objective values. The novels show that values may be subjective and that individuals have to create their own sense of what is important in life.
Existential detective novels often feature a protagonist who is in a state of confusion or alienation. For example, in 'The Stranger', Meursault seems detached from society's norms. This reflects the existentialist idea of the individual's estrangement from the world.
Existential crime novels often focus on the moral and philosophical dilemmas of the characters. They might explore themes like the meaninglessness of life in the context of crime. The characters in such novels are usually complex, with their own internal struggles that go beyond just the act of committing or solving a crime.
Some famous modern existential novels include 'Waiting for Godot' by Samuel Beckett. This play - novel hybrid reflects on themes like the futility of waiting and the search for meaning in a seemingly unresponsive universe. Then there's 'One Hundred Years of Solitude' by Gabriel García Márquez. Although it has elements of magical realism, it also deals with existential concepts such as the passage of time, the loneliness of existence, and the cyclical nature of life.
One famous existential fiction novel is 'The Stranger' by Albert Camus. It explores themes of alienation and the absurdity of life through the character of Meursault.