They often deal with universal themes. Take '1984' by George Orwell. It explores themes like totalitarianism, surveillance, and the loss of freedom, which are relevant in different times and places.
Most world famous novels have complex characters. For example, in 'War and Peace' by Leo Tolstoy, the characters are multi - dimensional, with their own motives, desires, and flaws.
A distinct writing style also contributes to a novel's fame. In 'One Hundred Years of Solitude' by Gabriel García Márquez, his magical realism style, where the real and the magical blend seamlessly, makes the novel stand out.
Well, most world famous novels are highly influential. They can shape the way people think about society, like 'Brave New World' by Aldous Huxley which makes people reflect on the future of humanity. They also tend to have a strong narrative. In 'The Lord of the Rings' by J.R.R. Tolkien, the epic adventure story draws readers in. And many of them have cultural significance. 'The Tale of Genji' in Japanese literature is a landmark that reflects the culture of Heian - period Japan.
A key characteristic is the exploration of human nature. In 'Crime and Punishment', Dostoevsky delves deep into the mind of a criminal. Another aspect is the element of surprise. 'Gone Girl' has so many twists that you never see coming. And many world - famous crime novels have a moral or ethical undertone, making readers think about right and wrong in the context of crime.
One characteristic is the use of humor in the form of witty dialogue. For example, in 'The Importance of Being Earnest' by Oscar Wilde, the characters' exchanges are full of clever wordplay and double entendres. Another characteristic is the creation of comical characters. In 'Don Quixote' by Miguel de Cervantes, Don Quixote himself is a comical figure with his delusions of grandeur. They also often use satire to comment on society, like how 'Animal Farm' by George Orwell uses the story of farm animals to satirize political systems in a somewhat comical yet thought - provoking way.
World - famous thriller novels usually have a fast - paced plot. 'The Da Vinci Code' moves quickly from one clue to another, from one location to the next. They also tend to have an element of mystery or the unknown. In 'Rebecca', the mystery surrounding the first Mrs. de Winter haunts the whole story. And they can create a sense of unease or danger, like in 'Psycho' where the threat of Norman Bates is ever - present.
They often show the brutality of war. For example, in 'The Naked and the Dead' by Norman Mailer, it vividly describes the harsh conditions and violent battles of the Pacific War, making readers feel the horror of war.
Typically, they have a complex mystery at the core. For example, in 'Sherlock Holmes' stories, there are often baffling crimes that seem impossible to solve at first. Another characteristic is the presence of a smart detective. Like Hercule Poirot in Agatha Christie's novels, who uses his sharp intellect and attention to detail to crack the cases.
In 'The Great Gatsby', the vivid descriptions of the parties and the wealthy lifestyle are notable. Also, the unrequited love of Gatsby is a central theme. For 'Moby - Dick', its detailed and almost obsessive descriptions of whaling and the sea are what make it stand out. It's like a study of the sea and the whale as much as it is a story.
They usually have well - developed characters. In 'War and Peace' by Leo Tolstoy, the numerous characters are vividly portrayed. Their complex relationships and personal growth throughout the story are very engaging. World - famous fiction books also tend to have unique writing styles. 'Alice's Adventures in Wonderland' by Lewis Carroll has a very imaginative and whimsical writing style that has attracted readers for generations.
Often, they involve strong emotions. For example, in the story of Romeo and Juliet, their love was so intense that they were willing to die for it. Another characteristic is the presence of obstacles. In most of these stories, there are external factors like family feuds or social status differences trying to keep the lovers apart. Take Tristan and Isolde, their love was challenged by Isolde's impending marriage to the king.
World famous fantasy stories usually contain elements of magic. In 'Alice's Adventures in Wonderland', Alice experiences all kinds of magical and illogical things. They may also have a journey or quest. 'The Chronicles of Narnia' is about the children's journey in Narnia. And they tend to create their own rules of the world, different from the real world, like how magic works in 'The Wizard of Oz'.