What are the characteristics of the most famous American novels?

Many of them tend to reflect the American society at the time they were written. For example, some novels like 'The Grapes of Wrath' show the hardships of the Great Depression, with the Joad family's journey. Another characteristic is the exploration of the American Dream. 'The Great Gatsby' is a prime example where the pursuit of wealth and status is a central theme.

Many American famous novels often deal with the concept of the American Dream. For example, in 'The Great Gatsby', Gatsby's pursuit of wealth and Daisy represents his version of the American Dream. They also tend to reflect the social and cultural context of different periods, like 'To Kill a Mockingbird' shows the racial issues in the South during that time.

Most American novels often explore themes like the American Dream. They might show characters striving for success, wealth, and a better life. For example, in 'The Great Gatsby', Jay Gatsby pursues the American Dream through his pursuit of Daisy and material wealth.

Many 1920s American novels were influenced by the social changes of the time. For example, the loosening of social mores led to themes of new sexual freedoms in some novels. Also, the post - World War I disillusionment was a big factor, as seen in novels like 'The Sun Also Rises' where characters are lost and searching for meaning. There was also a focus on the clash between traditional values and the emerging modernity.

Famous American mystery novels often have complex plots. For example, in 'The Maltese Falcon', the search for the falcon statuette involves multiple characters with their own motives and secrets. Another characteristic is the use of hard - boiled detectives like Sam Spade in the same novel. These detectives are tough, cynical, and street - smart. Also, they often deal with the seedy underbelly of society, showing the dark side of American cities.

Family and community play crucial roles. In 'The House of the Spirits', the Trueba family's story is intertwined with the broader community and political situation of the country. The family's relationships, secrets, and dynamics are central to the narrative.

One characteristic is the strong connection to the land. In many American Indian novels, the land is not just a setting but a living entity and an integral part of the characters' identity. For example, in 'Ceremony', the Laguna Pueblo landscape is deeply intertwined with the protagonist's journey of healing.

One of the most well - known American love novels is 'A Walk to Remember' by Nicholas Sparks. It's a tender love story between a popular boy and a religious girl who has a terminal illness. The way their love develops is very touching. 'Call Me by Your Name' by André Aciman, though the author has an international background, is also popular in America. It beautifully depicts a summer love between two young men. 'Sense and Sensibility' by Jane Austen, again a British author but highly regarded in America, shows the different approaches to love of two sisters.

One of the most famous is 'One Hundred Years of Solitude' by Gabriel García Márquez. It's a masterpiece that weaves a complex family saga in the fictional town of Macondo, exploring themes like time, fate, and the cyclical nature of history.

Well, 'The Catcher in the Rye' by J.D. Salinger is a very famous American novel. It follows the story of Holden Caulfield, a disillusioned teenager. Then there's 'Uncle Tom's Cabin' by Harriet Beecher Stowe, which had a huge impact on the view of slavery in America. And 'The Scarlet Letter' by Nathaniel Hawthorne, set in Puritan New England, is also among the most famous.