The Enlightenment ideas were also prevalent in 18th - century fiction. Novels like Voltaire's 'Candide' were full of philosophical musings. The story critiques the idea of optimism in the face of a world filled with war, suffering, and inequality, which was in line with the Enlightenment's focus on reason and the examination of society.
The growth of the middle class was another aspect reflected. As the middle class emerged, more stories focused on their experiences, values, and aspirations. For instance, in many novels, characters were concerned with things like business, education, and proper social behavior, which were important to the middle - class identity in the 18th century.
18th - century fiction often reflected the class system. For example, in 'Pride and Prejudice' (although it was published in the early 19th century, it has roots in the 18th - century mindset), the different social classes and their interactions were a major theme. Wealth and status determined a person's place in society, and this was shown through the characters' relationships.
It reflected through the portrayal of classes. For example, in Dickens' works, we can see the clear divide between the rich and the poor. The rich often had luxurious lifestyles while the poor struggled in slums.
18th - century historical fiction often showed the class differences. For example, in 'Tom Jones', the different behaviors and opportunities of the upper and lower classes were depicted. It also reflected the political climate. Novels might touch on the power struggles and ideas like democracy emerging at that time. And the role of women was a common theme, as in 'Evelina' where we can see the limited options and strict social norms for women in 18th - century society.
Religious beliefs were a major part of 17th - century society and this was reflected in the historical fiction. In works set in Puritan colonies, like 'The Scarlet Letter', the strict moral code of the Puritans was central. Sin was harshly judged, and redemption was a long and difficult process. The influence of the church in people's daily lives was also depicted, from attending services to following religious laws.
It showed through character development. For example, in 'The Great Gatsby', the characters' behaviors and dreams were shaped by the new - found wealth and changing social classes in the 1920s. The roaring twenties brought about a sense of new freedoms and excesses which were reflected in the story.
The 16th - century historical novels were like mirrors of their society. Take 'The Canterbury Tales' for instance. The pilgrims come from different walks of life, such as the knight, the miller, and the nun. Each character's tale reveals their values, beliefs, and the problems they faced. The bawdy stories of some characters and the moral tales of others combined to give a comprehensive view of the diverse social fabric. The language used also reflected the common speech as well as the more refined language of the educated classes, which was a characteristic of the 16th - century society.
Many 18th - century novels were a mirror of the economic situation of the time. In 'Robinson Crusoe', we can see the emerging ideas of capitalism. Crusoe's efforts to build his own little 'empire' on the island reflect the entrepreneurial spirit of the era. Also, the moral and religious values were prominent. Novels like 'Candide' criticized the religious hypocrisy while still being influenced by the overall religious context of the 18th century. And in terms of politics, some novels subtly commented on the power structures and the monarchy system through their stories.
20th - century fiction novels were mirrors of their time. In 'Mrs. Dalloway' by Virginia Woolf, we can see the post - World War I society in England. The novel shows the psychological impact of the war on individuals. 'Native Son' by Richard Wright depicted the racial tensions and the difficult life of African - Americans in the urban North. These novels helped to document and analyze the social changes happening around them.
Early 20th - century fiction books often reflected the social upheavals of the time. For example, in 'The Great Gatsby', the excessive parties and wealth - seeking behavior of the characters showed the hedonistic side of the American society during the Roaring Twenties. The class differences were also prominent, like the divide between the rich like Gatsby and the more established upper - class families.
Many 20th century novels reflected social changes. For example, 'The Grapes of Wrath' by John Steinbeck showed the hardships of the Great Depression and the migration of farmers. Novels like 'Native Son' by Richard Wright dealt with the experience of African - Americans in a racially divided society. 'Mrs. Dalloway' by Virginia Woolf also captured the changing roles of women and the post - World War I disillusionment.
Religious and moral values were prominent. In 'The Scarlet Letter', the love between Hester and Dimmesdale is considered a sin according to the Puritanical society. Their story shows how love was restricted by strict religious beliefs. Love stories of the 19th century thus often became a medium to explore the tensions between individual desires and the values imposed by society.