English 2 novels: What are the characteristics of English novels?

English novels often have rich character development. For example, in Dickens' novels, the characters are so vivid that they seem to jump out of the pages. They also have diverse themes, like love in 'Romeo and Juliet', and social criticism in 'Hard Times'.

The use of complex characters was another feature. Characters were often multi - dimensional. In 'Wuthering Heights', Heathcliff is not simply a villain but a complex figure shaped by his experiences of love, rejection, and social inequality. Victorian novels in general had a rich tapestry of characters that added depth to the stories.

Take 'Jane Eyre' for example. It has a strong - willed female protagonist. Jane is an orphan who endures a lot of hardships but still holds on to her principles. The novel is also known for its gothic elements and exploration of love and equality in Victorian society.

Many English novels also have strong narrative structures. They often start with an introduction of the setting and characters, then build up the plot with various conflicts and resolutions. Some might have a linear narrative, while others could use flashbacks or multiple perspectives. This is common in modern novels where different characters' viewpoints are presented to give a more comprehensive view of the story.

They are likely to have diverse themes. Some may focus on adventure like exploring new lands or solving mysteries. For example, novels about treasure hunts.

Typically, intermediate English novels feature a balance between simplicity and complexity. The grammar used is at a level that intermediate learners are likely to be familiar with or are in the process of learning. Take 'Anne of Green Gables' for instance. It has a good mix of different tenses and sentence types. The themes in these novels are also relatable. In 'A Wrinkle in Time', the theme of self - discovery and family is something that many readers can connect to, which helps in understanding the story and the language better. Moreover, the pacing of the story in intermediate novels is usually well - managed, not too fast or slow.

Well, the earliest English novels tended to be quite episodic. Take 'The Canterbury Tales' for instance. It's a collection of individual tales within a framing story. They usually had a simple narrative structure. These novels were also deeply influenced by the society and culture of the time. In 'Sir Gawain and the Green Knight', the chivalric code of the Middle Ages is very much present. And they often had elements of the supernatural, as we can see in many Arthurian tales which were part of the early English novel landscape.

A characteristic of new English novels is their accessibility in terms of language. While still maintaining high literary quality, they are often written in a more approachable style, which allows a wider range of readers to engage with them. Also, new English novels are more likely to be cross - genre, combining elements of different literary genres like mystery and romance or science - fiction and historical fiction.

English comedy novels often have witty dialogue. Characters in these novels can be very humorous in their conversations, like in 'Pride and Prejudice' where Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy's exchanges are full of smart remarks. Also, they may have absurd situations. For example, in 'The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy', the whole idea of the galaxy being run in such a crazy way is absurd yet funny.

Typically, horror English novels often have a sense of the unknown. They introduce elements that are beyond our normal understanding, like ghosts, demons, or other supernatural entities. For example, in 'Dracula', the vampire is a creature that defies the laws of life and death.