English restoration novels usually have a strong sense of place and time. They are set in the Restoration period and often describe the London of that time, with its theaters, coffee houses, and courtly life. The language also has a certain elegance and formality that was characteristic of the era, while still being accessible enough for the general reader.
They often feature complex social hierarchies. For example, in many of these novels, the divide between the aristocracy and the common people is clearly depicted.
Sexual themes and libertine attitudes are quite common. This was a period of loosening moral codes, and novels reflected this by showing characters engaging in affairs and having a more relaxed view towards sex. For instance, in 'The Rover', Aphra Behn explores the sexual freedom and relationships of her characters in the Restoration setting.
One characteristic is the detailed portrayal of the social settings of the restoration era. These novels often show the complex class hierarchies, fashion, and social norms of that time. For example, they might depict grand balls where the characters' interactions are influenced by their social status. Another aspect is the romantic relationships which are often filled with drama. The lovers may face obstacles such as family disapproval or differences in social standing. The language used in these novels is also quite elaborate, with flowery descriptions of the characters' emotions and the surroundings.
Another great example is 'Samuel Pepys' Diary'. It is not a traditional novel in the sense, but it provides an in - depth look at the Restoration England. Pepys chronicles his daily life, which gives us a unique perspective on the social, political, and cultural aspects of the time. We can learn about the court life, the plague, and the Great Fire of London through his detailed entries.
English novels often have rich character development. For example, in 'Middlemarch', George Eliot creates a whole range of complex characters. Also, they usually explore deep themes such as love, society, and morality. 'Sense and Sensibility' is a good illustration of exploring different attitudes towards love and relationships.
The social context was a big influence. Novels like 'David Copperfield' showed the class differences and the struggles of the poor in Victorian society. The settings were detailed, whether it was the city streets or the rural areas. They also had elaborate plotlines that often involved themes of love, family, and social mobility. In 'Wuthering Heights', the love between Heathcliff and Catherine is intertwined with issues of class and revenge, making for a very complex plot.
English novels often have rich character development. For example, in Dickens' novels, the characters are so vivid that they seem to jump out of the pages. They also have diverse themes, like love in 'Romeo and Juliet', and social criticism in 'Hard Times'.
One characteristic is that they often explore deep moral and ethical questions. For example, in 'To Kill a Mockingbird', it makes you think about justice and prejudice. Another is that they might question the nature of reality, like in some works of H.G. Wells. They also tend to have complex characters whose actions and thoughts are driven by philosophical ideas.
B2 English novels often have a more complex vocabulary compared to lower - level ones. For example, they might use words like 'elusive' or 'perplexed'. The sentence structures can be more elaborate too, with subordinate clauses. They also usually have more developed plots and characters.
One characteristic is that they tend to break social taboos. These novels expose the hidden aspects of gay life that were long suppressed. They also often use detailed descriptions to show the unique experiences of gay characters. In 'A Single Man', the daily life of the gay protagonist is presented in a very nuanced way, from his interactions with his colleagues who don't fully understand him to his longing for a real connection. Additionally, many gay English novels are set in specific historical periods, like 'The Line of Beauty' in the 1980s, which allows for an exploration of how social and political climates affected gay people at that time.
English literature novels typically have a strong sense of place. For instance, in Thomas Hardy's novels like 'Tess of the d'Urbervilles', the Wessex countryside is vividly described and becomes an important part of the story. They also often have a moral or ethical dimension. 'The Scarlet Letter' by Nathaniel Hawthorne is about sin and redemption. Moreover, the use of symbolism is prevalent. In 'The Picture of Dorian Gray' by Oscar Wilde, the portrait of Dorian Gray is a powerful symbol of his inner self.
One characteristic is the rich portrayal of Indian culture. Indian English novels often vividly depict traditional customs, festivals, and family values. Another is the use of diverse languages within the text. English is blended with Indian languages like Hindi, Tamil etc., adding a unique flavor. Also, they frequently deal with complex social issues such as caste system, poverty, and gender inequality.