What are the characteristics of the best old English novels?

Well, old English novels usually have elaborate plots. They are not simple and straightforward. In 'The Scarlet Letter' by Nathaniel Hawthorne, the plot twists and turns around the sin and redemption of the characters. Their writing styles can be very formal and elegant. 'The Picture of Dorian Gray' by Oscar Wilde has a very refined writing style. And they often explore deep human emotions like love, envy, and revenge.

Old English novels often have complex language. They may use archaic words and sentence structures. For example, in 'Beowulf', there are many words that are not commonly used today. Also, they usually focus on themes like heroism, morality, and the relationship between man and nature.

The settings in old English romance novels are typically very important. They are often set in English manors, small villages, or historical periods. This provides a backdrop for the love stories. In 'Romeo and Juliet', the Verona setting adds to the sense of fate and the forbidden nature of their love. Moreover, moral and ethical themes are often intertwined with the love stories, as in 'The Scarlet Letter' where the concept of sin and redemption is linked to the romantic relationship.

These novels often have elements of the supernatural. 'Sir Gawain and the Green Knight' has a supernatural being in the form of the Green Knight. And in terms of narrative structure, many of them are episodic, like 'The Canterbury Tales' where each pilgrim's tale is like a separate episode within the larger framework of the pilgrimage.

The best English novels often have well - developed characters. For example, in 'Pride and Prejudice', the characters are multi - dimensional, like Elizabeth with her intelligence and pride. They also have engaging plots. 'To Kill a Mockingbird' has a plot that unfolds gradually, revealing deeper themes. And they usually deal with universal themes. '1984' tackles issues like totalitarianism that are relevant across time and cultures.

One characteristic is complex characters. In 'Jane Eyre', for example, Jane is a multi - dimensional character with strong will and deep emotions. She grows and changes throughout the story.

Many of the 20 best English novels have complex characters. For example, in 'Pride and Prejudice', Elizabeth Bennet is a multi - dimensional character with her own beliefs and prejudices. Also, they often deal with important themes. 'To Kill a Mockingbird' addresses racism which is a crucial social issue. And they usually have engaging plots that keep readers hooked from start to finish.

Old light - hearted English novels often have engaging characters with unique personalities. For example, in 'Pride and Prejudice', Elizabeth Bennet is strong - willed and intelligent, which makes her interactions fun. They also tend to have simple yet interesting plots. Like in 'The Adventures of Tom Sawyer', Tom's everyday adventures keep the story going in an enjoyable way. And there's often a touch of humor in the dialogue. Just look at how the characters talk in 'Three Men in a Boat'.

Old English stories often have a strong sense of heroism. For example, in 'Beowulf', the hero shows great courage in the face of terrifying monsters. They also usually involve elements of the supernatural. In 'Sir Gawain and the Green Knight', the Green Knight has an otherworldly quality.

The best contemporary English novels often have complex characters. In 'Gone Girl', the characters are full of contradictions and secrets. They also tend to be relevant to current cultural and political issues. 'The Underground Railroad' addresses the long - standing issue of slavery and its impact on American society. Moreover, these novels can create a strong sense of place. 'There There' makes the Native American communities in urban areas feel very real and alive.