What are the most globally influential American novels?

Yes. 'For Whom the Bell Tolls' by Ernest Hemingway is a very influential American novel. It is set during the Spanish Civil War and explores themes of love, war, and sacrifice. 'The Sound and the Fury' by William Faulkner is also important. Faulkner's use of stream - of - consciousness narration was revolutionary. Another one is 'Go Tell It on the Mountain' by James Baldwin which delves into African - American religious and family life in a profound way.

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.

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.

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.

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.

One of the most well - known is 'The Color Purple' by Alice Walker. It powerfully portrays the life of African - American women in the South, dealing with themes like racism, sexism, and the power of love and sisterhood. Another is 'Invisible Man' by Ralph Ellison, which explores the identity of a black man in a predominantly white society. And 'Beloved' by Toni Morrison is also a great classic. It delves into the legacy of slavery, as a mother kills her daughter to save her from slavery, and then has to deal with the ghost of the daughter.

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.

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.