The early English novel's linguistics was deeply tied to society. In terms of social mobility, the language used by characters trying to move up in society was different from those who were content with their station. The former would try to adopt more 'proper' language. Also, the language reflected the economic situation. For example, in novels set during times of poverty, the language might be more focused on basic needs and survival. The use of language also showed the cultural values of the time, such as the importance of family and honor. Characters' speech and the overall language of the novel would often revolve around these concepts.
1940s English novels often reflected the upheaval of the war - torn society. For example, in 'Animal Farm', Orwell used animals to represent different social classes and political figures during the tumultuous times. Novels also showed the rationing and austerity. The sense of loss and change in family structures due to men going off to war was also a theme, as in some works that explored the lives of women left behind.
In 'Moby - Dick', the hierarchical structure on the ship and the obsession with hunting the whale can be seen as a reflection of the emerging American capitalism and its drive for conquest, both in the natural world and in business. The diverse crew on the ship also represents the different ethnic groups coming together in America at that time. Moreover, novels like 'The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn' exposed the deep - seated racism in the pre - Civil War South. Huck's journey with Jim, a runaway slave, showed the contradictions and moral dilemmas related to slavery in that society.
The main features often include a certain formality in language use. Early English novels might have complex sentence structures. For example, they could use elaborate subordinate clauses which were characteristic of the more formal writing styles of that time. Also, the vocabulary was rich, drawing from a wide range of sources, including Latin and Greek. Another aspect was the use of dialects in some cases to represent different social classes or regional groups.
Early 20th - century fiction books often reflected the social upheavals of the time. For example, in 'The Great Gatsby', the excessive parties and wealth - seeking behavior of the characters showed the hedonistic side of the American society during the Roaring Twenties. The class differences were also prominent, like the divide between the rich like Gatsby and the more established upper - class families.
1933 novels like 'The Grapes of Wrath' reflected the economic hardships of the Great Depression. It showed the displacement of farmers and the difficult living conditions. Novels of that year often dealt with themes of poverty, struggle, and the search for a better life. They were a mirror of the society's problems.
1926 novels often reflected the post - war disillusionment. For example, in 'The Sun Also Rises', the characters' hedonistic lifestyle and lack of clear purpose showed the lost feeling of the generation. They were trying to find meaning after the destruction of the war.
These novels also showed the breakdown of social order. In 'Year of Wonders', the village's quarantine led to various power struggles and moral dilemmas, which were a reflection of how the Black Plague disrupted the normal social fabric. People had to re - evaluate their values and relationships. Also, the way different classes were affected and their responses differed were often explored, like the poor suffering more due to lack of resources in many of these fictional accounts.
In 'Pride and Prejudice', the love story reflects the class - conscious society of the time. The relationship between Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy is affected by their social statuses. For example, Darcy's initial pride is partly due to his high social standing. In 'Wuthering Heights', the love between Heathcliff and Catherine is influenced by the rigid social hierarchy. Heathcliff's lower status causes many problems in their relationship.
1870s novels often reflected the society through their themes. For example, 'Middlemarch' showed the social hierarchies and the limitations placed on women in provincial England. 'Anna Karenina' in Russia depicted the strict social norms and the consequences of breaking them in matters of love and marriage.
1865 was a crucial year in American history as it was the end of the Civil War. Novels of that time like 'Little Women' reflected the family values and the role of women in society. The March sisters had different dreams and faced various challenges, showing how women were starting to assert themselves more.