What are the characteristics of pre wwi spy novels?

Answer 1

Pre - WWI spy novels often had a sense of mystery and adventure. They were set in a time when international tensions were rising but war hadn't fully broken out yet. So, there was a lot of intrigue and shadowy characters.

Answer 2

Pre - WWI spy novels typically showed the early forms of espionage. They were less about high - tech gadgets (as those didn't exist much then) and more about human intelligence. The characters had to rely on their observational skills, disguises, and knowledge of different languages and cultures. The stories also sometimes reflected the political and imperial rivalries of the time. For instance, novels set in colonial areas might touch on the competition between European powers for control and influence. There was a sense of the unknown and the dangerous in these novels, as the world was on the brink of a major war and the rules of international relations were still somewhat fluid.

Answer 3

Many of these novels focused on the idea of the lone hero. For example, in 'The Riddle of the Sands', the protagonists are two men who uncover a German plot on their own. These heroes were usually intelligent and resourceful, able to outwit their enemies. Also, the settings were diverse, from European cities to far - flung colonial outposts, which added to the exotic and mysterious feel of the stories. In addition, the plots often involved secret codes, hidden maps, and undercover operations that were not yet as sophisticated as in later spy novels.