What are some of the greatest twentieth century American novels?

Another great twentieth - century novel is '1984' by George Orwell. It's a dystopian masterpiece that warns about totalitarianism, government surveillance, and the loss of individual freedoms. The concepts like Big Brother and doublethink are now part of our cultural lexicon.

Well, among the best 200 twentieth - century American novels, 'Moby - Dick' by Herman Melville is a classic. It's not just a story about a whaling voyage but a profound exploration of human nature, obsession, and the power of nature. Then there's 'The Sound and the Fury' by William Faulkner. Faulkner uses a complex narrative structure to tell the story of a Southern family in decline. Also, 'Invisible Man' by Ralph Ellison is significant as it delves into the African - American experience and identity in a society that often makes them feel invisible.

Another great one is 'To Kill a Mockingbird' by Harper Lee. It tackles issues of race and justice in the American South. Through the eyes of Scout, we see the unfairness and also the goodness in people.

Many would say that '1984' by George Orwell is the twentieth century's greatest novel. It presents a dystopian future where the government has total control over people's lives. Orwell's exploration of surveillance, propaganda, and the loss of individual freedom is both prescient and deeply disturbing.

There's 'Light in August' by William Faulkner. It deals with themes of race, identity, and the South's complex social fabric. Faulkner's use of stream - of - consciousness and his in - depth character studies make it a great work. 'The Naked and the Dead' by Norman Mailer is an important war novel. It realistically portrays the experiences of soldiers in World War II. And 'Their Eyes Were Watching God' by Zora Neale Hurston, which is a beautiful exploration of a black woman's journey to self - discovery and love in the South.

Virginia Woolf's 'Mrs. Dalloway' is a great twentieth - century novel. It delves into the inner thoughts and experiences of a day in the life of Clarissa Dalloway. Woolf's use of stream - of - consciousness gives a unique perspective on her characters' lives.

'The Catcher in the Rye' by J.D. Salinger. It follows the story of Holden Caulfield, a teenager who is disillusioned with the adult world. It has been highly influential in the portrayal of adolescent angst.

There's no definitive answer as different people have different opinions. But James Joyce is often considered a great contender with his novel 'Ulysses'. It's a complex and experimental work that revolutionized modern literature with its stream - of - consciousness technique.

One of the greatest is 'Moby - Dick' by Herman Melville. It's a complex exploration of man's struggle against nature. Another is 'The Scarlet Letter' by Nathaniel Hawthorne, which delves into themes of sin, guilt, and redemption in Puritan society. Also, 'Adventures of Huckleberry Finn' by Mark Twain is a significant work, presenting a vivid picture of the antebellum South and issues like slavery through the eyes of a young boy.

A common theme is the changing nature of family. Novels might show how family structures and relationships evolved over the 20th century. For example, in some novels, the traditional family unit breaks down. Also, the theme of race relations is crucial. Novels like 'Invisible Man' by Ralph Ellison delve deep into the experiences and struggles of African - Americans in a predominantly white society. And the exploration of urban and rural life is another theme, with some novels focusing on the bustling city life while others on the quiet and often difficult rural existence.