How do alternative great american novels differ from the mainstream ones?

Cult novels often have more niche or unconventional themes. While mainstream novels might target a broad audience with common interests, cult novels appeal to a smaller, more dedicated group. For example, a mainstream romance novel will follow a set formula, but a cult novel like 'The Crying of Lot 49' by Thomas Pynchon has a complex and esoteric plot that only certain readers are drawn to.

Cult fiction novels differ from mainstream ones in several ways. Firstly, their content can be more extreme or unconventional. They might have a non - linear narrative, like in 'House of Leaves', which can be confusing for some but is a big draw for cult fans. Mainstream novels generally have a more linear, easy - to - follow story for a wider range of readers. Secondly, cult fiction novels often have a deeper subculture associated with them. Fans of cult novels like 'Fight Club' might form their own groups to discuss and analyze the book's hidden meanings. Mainstream novels, while they may have fans, don't usually have such intense, subculture - like followings. Finally, cult fiction novels can be more resistant to mass - market trends. They don't necessarily follow what's popular at the moment, but instead, they create their own trends within their niche communities. Mainstream novels, on the other hand, are more likely to be influenced by current market demands.

Arthouse graphic novels often focus on more complex and niche themes compared to mainstream ones. For example, they might explore deep philosophical ideas or personal and often difficult life experiences.

Well, traditional historical novels are mainly focused on accurately depicting historical events, people, and settings based on historical records. They aim to bring the past to life as it truly was. On the other hand, alternative history novels take a different turn. They start with a deviation from the known historical path. Maybe it's a different outcome of a battle or a change in a political decision. Then, they build a whole new world and story based on that changed event. They often explore how society, culture, and individuals would be different because of that one change. For instance, in an alternative history novel where the Roman Empire never fell, the whole development of Western civilization would be different, and that's what these novels explore.

Alternative history graphic novels often rewrite or reimagine historical events. Regular graphic novels may focus more on fictional stories without the historical context. For example, a regular superhero graphic novel might be about a hero fighting a villain in a made - up city, while an alternative history one could be about what if superheroes existed during World War II.

Cult fiction books often have more niche or unconventional themes. For example, they might deal with really strange or dark ideas that mainstream fiction would shy away from. They also tend to attract a more dedicated and passionate following, almost like a club of fans who really get the book on a deeper level. Mainstream fiction usually aims for broader appeal and more general themes.

One major difference is the pacing. Veteran romance novels can be slower - paced, taking time to build up the relationship and the story. In modern romance novels, things often move faster. Additionally, veteran romance novels may be more likely to end in a more traditional 'happily ever after' way, while modern ones may have more ambiguous endings. For example, in 'Jane Eyre', we get a fairly clear - cut happy ending for the main characters, but modern novels may leave the reader with more questions about the future of the relationship.

Complex romance novels often have more layers in the relationship. In simple romance novels, it might be just a straightforward love - at - first - sight kind of story. But in complex ones, like 'The Great Gatsby', there are elements of unrequited love, social status differences, and the characters' own inner demons that affect the relationship. The characters in complex romance novels are also more fully developed, with their own backstories and motives that interact with the romance.

Standalone graphic novels are complete stories in one volume. Serialized graphic novels, on the other hand, are released in parts over time. For example, a standalone like 'Persepolis' has a beginning, middle, and end all within one book. A serialized graphic novel might have cliffhangers at the end of each issue, like some superhero comics. Standalone graphic novels often have a more self - contained narrative structure, while serialized ones can be more episodic.

Unconventional fantasy novels often break the rules. Traditional fantasy might have a clear hero's journey, like in 'The Lord of the Rings'. But unconventional ones, like 'American Gods', mix different mythologies in a modern world. They don't always follow the typical good - vs - evil pattern. They can also have strange settings, not just the usual medieval or Tolkien - esque landscapes.