influential american novels

Some of the well - known ones could be 'To Kill a Mockingbird' by Harper Lee. It deeply explores themes of racial injustice. Another is 'The Great Gatsby' by F. Scott Fitzgerald, which shows the decadence and dreams of the Jazz Age. 'Moby - Dick' by Herman Melville is also on the list, with its complex exploration of obsession and the human struggle against nature.

Often, they have complex characters. In 'The Catcher in the Rye', Holden Caulfield is a very complex and relatable character for many. They also tend to have strong themes. '1984' has the theme of government control and the loss of freedom, which is relevant everywhere but has been widely discussed in America. And they can be a reflection of different historical periods, like 'Gone with the Wind' reflecting the Civil War era.

Some very influential American novels include 'Invisible Man' by Ralph Ellison. It tells the story of an African - American man's search for identity in a racist society. 'On the Road' by Jack Kerouac was a significant influence on the Beat Generation. And 'The Scarlet Letter' by Nathaniel Hawthorne, which examines sin, guilt, and society in Puritan New England.

One of the very influential American novels is 'Catcher in the Rye' by J.D. Salinger. It has captured the essence of teenage angst and alienation, making it relatable to young people around the world. 'Beloved' by Toni Morrison is also highly regarded globally. It tells a harrowing story of slavery and its aftermath, with a focus on the psychological and emotional impact on the characters. Also, 'On the Road' by Jack Kerouac has influenced generations with its celebration of freedom, travel, and the search for self - discovery.

The 20 most influential American novels have shaped American literature in many ways. For example, 'To Kill a Mockingbird' set a high standard for books dealing with social justice issues. It influenced how later authors approach themes of prejudice. 'The Great Gatsby' influenced the way American writers depict the American Dream, often showing its hollowness. 'Moby - Dick' inspired many to write about man's relationship with the unknown and nature.

For sure, 'Uncle Tom's Cabin' by Harriet Beecher Stowe had a profound impact. While it was more focused on the issue of slavery, it was also a powerful voice during the time of the American revolution and its aftermath. It helped to fuel the abolitionist movement and influenced the way people thought about equality and freedom, which were central themes in the revolution.

Well, 'Native Son' by Richard Wright is very influential. It shows the effects of systemic racism on a young African American man named Bigger Thomas. His actions are a product of the oppressive environment he lives in.

There are many, but 'The Namesake' by Jhumpa Lahiri is quite influential. It's about an Indian - American family and the issues of identity and cultural assimilation. 'Cloud Atlas' by David Mitchell, while not strictly American, is popular here and has a complex narrative that spans different times and places. And 'The Corrections' by Jonathan Franzen, which looks at a dysfunctional American family.

One of the most influential is 'The Great Gatsby' by F. Scott Fitzgerald. It explores themes of wealth, love, and the American Dream. Another is 'To Kill a Mockingbird' by Harper Lee, which tackles racism and moral growth. 'Moby - Dick' by Herman Melville, though written earlier, had a profound impact in the 20th century with its exploration of obsession and man's struggle against nature.

I think 'Beloved' is one of the most influential. Toni Morrison's writing in it is so profound. It makes readers feel the pain and trauma of slavery deeply. 'The Autobiography of Malcolm X' is also very influential. It gives a first - hand account of Malcolm X's life, his journey from a criminal to a powerful civil rights leader, and his ideas about race and equality.