Well, modernist and post - modernist elements were big features. Modernist novels challenged the old ways of storytelling. They played with time, like Faulkner did in 'The Sound and the Fury'. Post - modernist novels, on the other hand, questioned the very nature of truth and reality in literature. There was also a wider range of voices. Female and minority writers started to gain more recognition, and their works brought in different perspectives. For instance, Toni Morrison's novels explored the African - American experience in a unique and powerful way.
One feature is experimentation with form. Many 20th - century novelists broke away from traditional narrative structures. For example, James Joyce's 'Ulysses' uses stream - of - consciousness, which presents the continuous flow of thoughts in a character's mind. Another feature is the exploration of complex psychological states. Writers like Virginia Woolf delved deep into the inner lives of her characters, showing their insecurities, desires, and conflicts. Also, social and political commentary was prominent. Novels such as George Orwell's '1984' were a critique of totalitarian regimes.
The 20th - century novel often had a more fragmented style. This was due to the chaos and rapid changes of the century. Authors like T.S. Eliot in his poetry and prose works showed this fragmentation, and novelists followed suit. Additionally, there was a greater focus on the individual's experience in a changing world. Characters were often alienated from society, as seen in Franz Kafka's works. His characters like Gregor Samsa in 'The Metamorphosis' are isolated and struggle to find meaning in a strange and indifferent world.
Another feature was detailed social description. They depicted the social hierarchies, class differences, and cultural norms of the time. Take 'Oliver Twist' for instance. It showed the harsh life of the poor in Victorian England and the problems in the workhouse system.
One feature is the exploration of modernist themes like the fragmentation of self. Writers such as Virginia Woolf in 'Mrs. Dalloway' presented characters' inner thoughts in a stream - of - consciousness style, showing how identities were complex and often broken up in the modern world.
One feature is the detailed character development. Novels in the 19th century often delved deeply into the personalities, motives, and inner lives of characters. For example, in 'Pride and Prejudice' by Jane Austen, Elizabeth Bennet is a complex character with her own prejudices and growth throughout the story. Another feature was the exploration of social issues. Dickens' works, like 'Oliver Twist', exposed the harsh realities of poverty and class differences in 19th - century England. Also, the use of omniscient narrators was common, allowing the author to provide a wide - ranging view of the story's world and characters.
The 20th century English novel also saw a great diversity in styles. Some novels were highly experimental like James Joyce's 'Ulysses'. There was a shift from the more linear and plot - driven Victorian novels. Social and political issues became important themes too. Novels like George Orwell's '1984' were critiques of totalitarian regimes.
One feature is the exploration of modernist themes. Writers like T.S. Eliot influenced American novelists to play with fragmented narrative structures. For example, William Faulkner's 'The Sound and the Fury' uses multiple narrators and a non - linear timeline to represent the complexity of the human mind and the breakdown of traditional values in the 20th century.
One feature is the exploration of social classes. Novels like 'Pride and Prejudice' by Jane Austen showed the differences between the upper and middle classes, and how marriage was related to class status. Another feature was the use of complex characters. For example, in 'Great Expectations' by Charles Dickens, Pip is a multi - faceted character whose growth and development are central to the story. Also, moral lessons were often included. Many 19th - century English novels aimed to teach readers about values such as kindness, honesty, and the consequences of greed.
Modernist and post - modernist influences were key features. Modernist novels often challenged traditional forms and values. They were concerned with the alienation of the individual in the modern world. For example, Franz Kafka's works, where the characters often find themselves in absurd and incomprehensible situations. Post - modernist novels, on the other hand, played with the concept of reality and truth. They often blurred the lines between fiction and non - fiction. The 20th - century novel also saw a rise in the use of different languages and dialects, which added to the richness and authenticity of the stories, representing the diverse voices within society.
The exploration of existential themes was prevalent. Many 20th - century novels delved into questions of human existence, meaning, and identity. Writers such as Albert Camus in "The Stranger" questioned the absurdity of life. Characters often faced moral and ethical dilemmas in a world that seemed to lack clear - cut values, and novels explored how they coped with these uncertainties.
One feature was the exploration of the American frontier. Novels like 'The Last of the Mohicans' by James Fenimore Cooper often depicted the wilderness and the interactions between settlers and Native Americans. Another was the rise of the American Dream theme, showing characters striving for success and upward mobility.
Well, one key feature is the exploration of moral and ethical issues. The 19th - century novel often presented characters facing moral dilemmas. Also, the use of omniscient narrators was common. This allowed the author to provide insights into the thoughts and feelings of multiple characters. Take 'Wuthering Heights' for instance. The omniscient narrator helps the reader understand the complex relationships and the wild emotions of Heathcliff and Catherine. And many 19th - century novels had elaborate plots that spanned over long periods, with sub - plots and twists.