How did Harold Bloom select the greatest American novels?

Harold Bloom might select novels based on their literary merit. This could include things like the complexity of the characters. For example, if a novel has multi - dimensional characters that are well - developed, it's more likely to be chosen. Also, the use of language. Novels with rich, evocative language that can create vivid images in the reader's mind would be favored.

Harold Bloom may have regarded 'The Scarlet Letter' by Nathaniel Hawthorne as a great American novel. It deals with themes of sin, guilt, and Puritan society. 'Beloved' by Toni Morrison might also be among them. Morrison's work is a profound exploration of the legacy of slavery, mother - daughter relationships, and the haunting past that continues to impact the present.

I'm not entirely sure of the exact criteria they used. But it probably involved factors like the novel's influence on literature. For example, if a novel introduced new literary techniques or themes that were widely adopted later. Also, its cultural impact, like how it reflected or shaped the society of its time.

I'm not sure exactly which novels are in Harold Bloom's specific list. But there are many great American novels that are often considered among the best. For example, 'Catcher in the Rye' by J.D. Salinger is a significant one. It's a coming - of - age story that captures the angst and alienation of youth. Also, 'Beloved' by Toni Morrison, which deals with the haunting legacy of slavery in America.

They likely considered factors such as cultural impact. For example, if a graphic novel had a big influence on how people view a particular genre or historical event, like 'Maus' did for the Holocaust. Another factor could be artistic merit. The quality of the illustrations, the use of color, and the overall visual style play a role. 'Watchmen' has highly detailed and creative art that adds to its storytelling.

Harold Bloom may analyze new novels through their character development. Well - developed characters can make a novel more engaging and believable. He would study how the characters change and grow throughout the story. Also, he could consider the novel's genre and how it adheres to or breaks the norms of that genre. For example, in a mystery novel, if the new novel has an unexpected plot twist that still makes sense within the genre's framework, he might appreciate it.

Another one could be 'Pride and Prejudice' by Jane Austen. Its sharp social commentary, well - developed characters, and engaging love story make it a classic. Harold Bloom might have seen in it the perfect blend of social realism and romantic elements that has made it endure over time.

The '50 greatest American novels' had a huge impact. They set standards for storytelling. For example, 'The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn' by Mark Twain introduced a unique narrative voice and tackled issues like slavery and race in a new way. These novels also influenced the development of different literary genres in America.

Harold Bloom's ideas, being centered around canonical literature, might have had an indirect influence on science fiction study. His methods of literary analysis could have been adapted by some scholars to look at science fiction in terms of its relationship to broader literary traditions. For instance, looking at how science fiction either adheres to or subverts the expectations set by classic literature. However, as science fiction has its own unique characteristics, his influence would likely be limited compared to those critics more focused on the genre itself.

Harold Bloom believed that historical novels often blend fact and fiction in an attempt to provide a vivid and engaging account of the past.