What are the characteristics of some novels in a list of classic American novels?

Some classic American novels include 'To Kill a Mockingbird' by Harper Lee and 'The Great Gatsby' by F. Scott Fitzgerald. They are widely recognized and beloved.

Take 'The Great Gatsby' for example. One characteristic is its vivid portrayal of the Jazz Age. The extravagant parties and the opulent lifestyle are depicted in great detail. Also, the complex characters like Gatsby himself, with his unrequited love and his pursuit of the American Dream. 'To Kill a Mockingbird' has the characteristic of strong moral lessons. It shows through the eyes of a child the unfairness of racial discrimination in the South.

American classic novels often reflect the historical context in which they were written. 'The Scarlet Letter' shows the strict moral and social codes of Puritan society. They also tend to have rich and vivid descriptions of the American landscape. In 'Walden', Thoreau describes the beauty and simplicity of nature around his cabin. Moreover, they frequently deal with themes of freedom and the pursuit of the American Dream, as seen in 'The Great Gatsby' where characters strive for wealth and status in the hope of achieving their dreams.

Some great American classic novels are 'The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn' by Mark Twain, 'Moby - Dick' by Herman Melville, and 'The Scarlet Letter' by Nathaniel Hawthorne.

Many of them are very good at portraying the American society at different times. For example, 'The Grapes of Wrath' shows the hardships of the Great Depression. They also often deal with important themes like freedom, equality and the search for identity.

They usually have diverse writing styles. Some might be very experimental in narrative structure, like using multiple points of view or non - linear storytelling. Take 'Infinite Jest' by David Foster Wallace for instance. It has a complex structure that challenges readers but also offers a rich exploration of modern life, addiction, and entertainment. Another aspect is that they can cover a wide range of themes from family relationships to social and political unrest. A lot of contemporary American novels also strive to represent the multicultural nature of the United States, incorporating different ethnic voices and experiences into the stories.

One characteristic is their ability to explore universal themes. For example, 'To Kill a Mockingbird' explores justice and prejudice, which are relevant everywhere. Another is their complex characters. In 'Moby - Dick', Captain Ahab is a multi - faceted character full of obsession. Also, they often have a distinct American setting that reflects the country's history or culture, like the South in 'Gone with the Wind'.

One of the well - known classic American novels is 'The Great Gatsby' by F. Scott Fitzgerald. It's a story about the Jazz Age, with themes of love, wealth, and the American Dream. Another is 'To Kill a Mockingbird' by Harper Lee, which deals with racial injustice in the South. And 'Moby - Dick' by Herman Melville, a complex tale of a whaling voyage and man's struggle against nature.

There are some other great American classics like 'For Whom the Bell Tolls' by Ernest Hemingway. It's set during the Spanish Civil War and shows the experiences of an American volunteer. 'The Sun Also Rises' by Hemingway is also a classic. It depicts the so - called 'Lost Generation' in post - World War I Europe. And 'Native Son' by Richard Wright is a significant work that explores race relations in America.

I think 'The Great Gatsby' is quite popular. Its vivid description of the Roaring Twenties and the complex relationships make it appealing. Also, 'To Kill a Mockingbird' is very popular as it tackles important social issues like racism in a very engaging way.