The 20th - century British literature novels were mirrors of the social changes. Take '1984' for instance. It was a reaction to the rise of totalitarian governments in the 20th century. Orwell was warning about the dangers of a government that has too much control over its people. 'The Lord of the Flies' also reflected the chaos and the breakdown of order that was seen in the world wars. The boys on the island represent different aspects of society, and their descent into savagery shows how fragile social order can be. 'Pride and Prejudice' may be from the 19th century but its influence continued. It set the stage for discussions about social class in the 20th century as society was slowly becoming more fluid in terms of class, though class differences still persisted.
Many 20th century novels reflected social changes directly. For example, 'The Grapes of Wrath' by John Steinbeck showed the hardships of the Great Depression and the Dust Bowl, with the Joad family's journey representing the struggles of migrant workers. 'To Kill a Mockingbird' reflected the racial segregation and discrimination in the American South. It made people more aware of these social issues through the story of Scout and her father.
20th century novels reflected social changes in many ways. For example, in 'The Jungle' by Upton Sinclair, it exposed the harsh working conditions in the meat - packing industry, which led to social reforms. 'To Kill a Mockingbird' showed the racial inequality in the South.
The 20th century American novels were very much in tune with social changes. Take 'The Grapes of Wrath' for instance. It depicted the mass migration of farmers during the Dust Bowl and Great Depression. It showed how economic hardships led to social upheaval, with families being forced to leave their homes and seek new lives, and how society was often cruel to those in need.
Many 60s British novels reflected the loosening of social mores. For example, 'A Clockwork Orange' showed the breakdown of traditional values through its violent and rebellious youth culture. The language used in the novel was also a reflection of the changing times, with its own unique and often shocking slang.
In the conclusion, family values were emphasized. Many novels ended with the restoration or strengthening of family ties. This was because the family was seen as the cornerstone of society. If a character had strayed from family values, they would either be reconciled or face negative consequences. Novels like 'The Vicar of Wakefield' showed how family unity was highly prized in the 18th - century social values through its conclusion.
The 20th - century dystopian novels often dealt with issues of inequality and social control. 'The Handmaid's Tale' was written in a time when feminism was on the rise but also when there were concerns about the regression of women's rights. It showed a world where women were treated as property. 'A Clockwork Orange' was concerned with the breakdown of society and the lack of moral values. It was a comment on the youth culture and the violence that was emerging in some parts of society during that time.
20th century sailor novels often reflected the social and cultural values of the time through their themes. For example, in 'Moby - Dick', the obsession of Captain Ahab can be seen as a reflection of the human drive and ambition of the era, which was marked by industrial expansion. The hierarchical structure on the ship in many of these novels also mirrored the social hierarchies in society at large.
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.
18th - century gay novels often reflected society in a veiled manner. Since homosexuality was not openly accepted, these novels might use euphemisms or more subtle character interactions. For example, in some works, a deep and intense male - male friendship was depicted which could be seen as a way of hinting at same - sex attraction without being too blatant, as open homosexuality was against the moral and legal norms of the time.
19th - century Spanish novels reflected society in various ways. For example, in 'La Regenta', the characters' interactions and their moral struggles were a mirror of the complex social hierarchies and the influence of the Church. The upper - class characters' behavior and the way they treated others showed the class divisions. In 'El Sombrero de Tres Picos', the story set in a rural environment revealed the daily life, traditions, and economic aspects of the common people in 19th - century Spain.