A good approach is to follow literary awards. Novels that win prizes like the Pulitzer or the Booker are often of high quality. You can also search for reviews in literary magazines or on websites dedicated to book reviews. And if you have a favorite author, check out their influences and the authors they recommend, which might lead you to other great English language novels.
You can start by looking at best - seller lists. They often include popular and well - regarded English novels. Also, ask for recommendations from librarians or avid readers. They usually have great insights.
Some of the highly regarded English language novels include 'Pride and Prejudice' by Jane Austen. It's a classic that beautifully portrays the society of its time with its vivid characters and charming love story. Another is 'To Kill a Mockingbird' by Harper Lee, which tackles important themes like racism and justice in a very engaging way. And '1984' by George Orwell, a dystopian novel that warns about the dangers of totalitarianism.
Well, it's also possible that public opinion played a role to some extent. If a novel had a large and passionate following, it might have caught the attention of the selectors. However, the main criteria were probably more related to literary merit. Novels that demonstrated great writing skills, whether in terms of beautiful prose, engaging dialogue, or complex plot construction, were more likely to be included in the list.
It has influenced modern literature by setting a standard for excellence. Many contemporary authors look to these novels as examples of great storytelling, character development, and thematic exploration.
'1984' by George Orwell is a great English language novel. It presents a dystopian future where the government has total control over people's lives. Orwell's exploration of surveillance, propaganda, and the loss of individual freedom is both terrifying and prescient, making it a very influential work.
Often, they are selected based on a combination of critical acclaim over time. Many of these novels have been studied in academic settings and praised by literary critics for their writing style, character development, and exploration of important themes.
The novels usually have excellent writing styles. In 'Moby - Dick' by Herman Melville, the detailed descriptions of the sea, the whaling industry, and the obsessive pursuit of the white whale by Captain Ahab are written in a very rich and evocative language that has made it a classic in English literature.
The list has influenced modern literature in multiple ways. Firstly, it has served as a kind of canon, guiding literary education. Students study many of these novels, which then shapes their own writing. For example, the complex narrative structure of 'Ulysses' has inspired modernist and post - modernist writers to experiment with form. Also, the social and political themes in novels like 'To Kill a Mockingbird' have encouraged modern writers to address similar issues in their own cultural contexts. Moreover, the commercial success of many of these novels has shown publishers what kind of stories have long - term value, leading to the promotion of similar works.
Time can have a significant influence on English language novels. For example, novels written in different historical periods often reflect the social, cultural, and political values of those times. Victorian novels like 'Jane Eyre' show the strict social hierarchies and moral codes of the 19th century. Over time, the themes, styles, and language use in English novels have evolved. Modern novels may deal with more contemporary issues such as technology and globalization, which were not relevant in earlier times.
One way is to visit a library. Librarians are a great resource. They can guide you to reference books that list the best English novels and when they were published. You can also look at the spines of the books in the classic literature section, as they usually have the publication year printed on them.
I think it may also be related to their popularity over time. Novels that have been widely read and studied for generations, such as 'Jane Eyre' by Charlotte Bronte, are likely to be included. Their ability to resonate with different audiences across different eras might be a factor. Maybe they also considered the critical acclaim each novel has received from literary scholars and critics over the years.