Can you name some of the most controversial English novels and explain why?

One of the most controversial English novels is 'Lolita' by Vladimir Nabokov. Its controversial nature lies in the theme of an adult's inappropriate relationship with a minor. The novel is beautifully written, yet the subject matter makes it a subject of much debate.

Some classic novels are controversial because they challenge the existing social and moral norms. For example, 'The Scarlet Letter' by Nathaniel Hawthorne. It explored the themes of adultery and sin in a Puritan society. At the time of its publication, such a blatant exploration of a taboo topic was not well - received by the conservative society. It made people uncomfortable as it forced them to confront the reality of human nature and the often - hypocritical nature of society's moral code.

Sure. 'Akira' is disturbing. It's set in a post - apocalyptic Tokyo and has a lot of violence and disturbing imagery. The power struggles, the mutations, and the overall sense of a world gone mad are quite disturbing. For example, the way the characters are transformed into grotesque forms is not for the faint - hearted. Another is 'Sin City'. It shows a seedy, violent underworld filled with corrupt cops, prostitutes, and criminals. The noir - style illustrations and the extreme violence make it disturbing.

One that comes to mind is 'War and Peace' by Leo Tolstoy. While it's a great work of literature, it's also very long and has a large number of characters. The detailed descriptions of battles and the complex web of relationships can be overwhelming. For some readers, it can feel like a chore to keep track of everything, and the slow - paced sections might seem dull.

Sure. 'The Satanic Verses' is very controversial. It contains passages that were considered blasphemous by some in the Islamic faith, which led to widespread protests and threats against the author. 'Midnight's Children' is also controversial. It was seen as challenging the traditional ways of narrating India's history and nation - building, with some believing it presented a distorted view. Another is 'A Fine Balance' which is controversial because it delved deep into the harsh realities of caste - based discrimination, poverty, and the ineffectiveness of the political system in dealing with these issues, making some uncomfortable.

'In Cold Blood' is also considered controversial. It's based on a true crime story. Some find it controversial because it delves so deeply into the minds of the killers. Truman Capote's writing style, which is almost empathetic towards the murderers at times, while also showing the horror of their crimes, makes it a subject of debate among readers.

A controversial classic novel is 'Brave New World' by Aldous Huxley. It's controversial as it presents a dystopian future where people are genetically engineered and conditioned to fit into a rigid social hierarchy. This challenges our ideas of freedom, individuality, and what it means to be human. Also, 'Ulysses' by James Joyce was considered controversial at the time of its release for its complex narrative style and some sexual content.

A third example could be 'Ulysses' by James Joyce. It was controversial mainly because of its sexual content and its experimental style. Joyce used stream - of - consciousness writing, which was new and difficult for many readers at the time. Also, the sexual references were seen as inappropriate, but over time it has come to be regarded as a masterpiece of modernist literature.

Definitely. 'The Way of All Flesh' by Samuel Butler. It's an underrated gem as it challenges Victorian values and ideas about family and society in a very bold way. The protagonist's journey through life is full of self - discovery and disillusionment. 'A Passage to India' by E. M. Forster is also underrated. It explores the relationship between the British and the Indians during colonial times in a complex and thought - provoking way. It's not just about the political situation but also about human relationships and misunderstandings.

The themes can also make a graphic novel controversial. If a graphic novel has themes of extreme violence, sex, or drugs in a way that is not appropriate for a general audience, it will draw criticism. Also, political and religious themes can be a source of controversy. 'Persepolis' with its religious and political exploration of Iran was controversial in some circles. Graphic novels that question the status quo or traditional values are likely to be controversial as well.