How can one identify the greatest final novels?
Identifying the greatest final novels can be a complex task. Firstly, the author's intention plays a role. If the author is clearly summing up their life's work or making a final statement about their view of the world, like James Joyce in 'Finnegans Wake', it could be a great final novel. Then there's the cultural significance. Novels that capture the essence of a particular time or place in their final works are often considered great. For example, 'The Death of Artemio Cruz' by Carlos Fuentes gives insights into Mexican history. Also, the emotional resonance is important. A final novel that makes the reader feel a strong connection to the characters and their fates, such as 'To the Lighthouse' by Virginia Woolf, is more likely to be regarded as one of the greatest.
