What are the main characteristics of 19th century sensation novels?

19th - century novels often had complex characters. For example, in 'Jane Eyre', Jane herself is a multi - faceted character with strong will and a sense of self - worth. They also tended to have detailed descriptions of settings. In 'Wuthering Heights', the moors are described vividly, which adds to the mood of the story. Social commentary was another characteristic. Dickens' novels, like 'Oliver Twist', showed the problems in society at that time.

The nineteenth - century sensation novel often had complex and convoluted plots. They typically involved elements of mystery, scandal, and secrets. For example, 'Lady Audley's Secret' by Mary Elizabeth Braddon is a prime example. It had a female protagonist with a dark past full of secrets that gradually unfolded throughout the story, creating a sense of suspense and excitement for the readers.

One characteristic was the use of elaborate language. Writers in these centuries were fond of detailed descriptions. Also, many 17th and 18th century novels focused on character development. Take 'Robinson Crusoe' for instance. We see how Crusoe changes from a young, reckless man to a more self - reliant and resourceful one over the course of his time on the island.

These novels typically explored social issues. In the 18th and 19th centuries, there were big changes in society. Novels were a way to show things like class differences. Dickens' works, such as 'Oliver Twist', showed the harshness of the lower classes' lives compared to the rich.

One characteristic is the exploration of complex social issues. For example, in Charles Dickens' novels of the 19th century like 'Oliver Twist', he exposed the harshness of the Victorian poor laws and the plight of the working class. In the 20th century, novels such as George Orwell's '1984' delved into totalitarianism and the loss of individual freedoms. Another aspect is the development of different literary styles. The 19th century saw the rise of the realist novel, with detailed descriptions of daily life. The 20th century then branched out into modernist and post - modernist styles, which often experimented with narrative structure and the concept of time.

Well, many 18th and 19th century novels were highly moralistic. Novels like 'Oliver Twist' by Charles Dickens aimed to expose the social ills of the time, such as poverty and child exploitation. The settings were often based on real - life locations of that era, which added authenticity. The narrative style was typically linear, guiding the reader through a series of events in a more or less chronological order. And they frequently explored themes of class struggle, as society was very stratified during those centuries.

Well, they were highly descriptive. The authors painted detailed pictures of the physical and social environments. Take Tolstoy's 'War and Peace' for instance. He described the Russian society during the Napoleonic era in great detail, from the grand palaces to the humble cottages. Social realism was key too. These novels aimed to expose the truth about society, be it the exploitation of the working class or the hypocrisy of the upper class. And the characters were believable. They had real - life emotions and motives, making the readers feel as if they were reading about real people rather than fictional creations.

The main characteristics include complex plots. These novels often had multiple storylines interwoven. For example, in 'Great Expectations' by Charles Dickens, there are the stories of Pip's love, his expectations of becoming a gentleman, and his relationship with various characters like Miss Havisham and Magwitch. Also, moral lessons were a big part. Victorian society was very concerned with propriety and morality, and novels reflected this. They often showed the consequences of good and bad behavior. Another aspect was the detailed portrayal of social classes. Writers depicted the lives of the rich, the poor, and the middle - class, highlighting the differences and inequalities among them.

One of the main characteristics is the exploration of social issues. For example, Dickens' novels often showed the harsh living conditions of the poor in industrial England. Another characteristic is the development of complex characters. They are not simply good or bad but have a mix of qualities. Also, the use of detailed descriptions of settings, like the gloomy streets in London in many novels, which helps to create the atmosphere.

Complex characters are also common. They are not just one - dimensional. In 'Wuthering Heights' by Emily Bronte, Heathcliff is a multi - faceted character with a mix of love, hatred, and revenge in his heart. His complex personality drives the tragic story.