top most influential novels

The 'Lord of the Rings' trilogy by J.R.R. Tolkien is among the top most influential novels. It has not only created a rich and detailed fantasy world but has also influenced countless other works in the fantasy genre. 'The Great Gatsby' by F. Scott Fitzgerald is also very influential. It explores themes of wealth, love, and the American Dream. And 'Moby - Dick' by Herman Melville is known for its complex symbolism and exploration of human nature in the face of the unknown.

Definitely 'Moby - Dick'. It's not just a story about a man hunting a white whale. It's a complex exploration of obsession, fate, and the human condition. It has influenced a lot of later works with its deep themes and unique narrative style.

One of the most influential is 'A Thousand Splendid Suns' by Khaled Hosseini. Although it's set in Afghanistan, it portrays the strength and resilience of women in a highly patriarchal and war - torn society. 'Pride and Prejudice' by Jane Austen can also be considered. Elizabeth Bennet is a strong female character who challenges the social norms and expectations of her time regarding marriage. And 'The Female Man' by Joanna Russ is a science - fiction work that explores different versions of femininity and gender relations.

I think 'The Iliad' and 'The Odyssey' are highly influential. They have shaped Western literature and storytelling for centuries. Their tales of heroes, gods, and great adventures have been a source of inspiration for countless works.

I think 'Pride and Prejudice' is very influential. It has shaped the way people view love and marriage in literature. '1984' is also extremely influential in terms of political and social commentary. It makes people think about the power of the state and the importance of freedom. 'The Lord of the Flies' is influential too as it delves into human nature and the thin line between civilization and savagery.

I think 'The Maltese Falcon' by Dashiell Hammett is highly influential. It set the standard for the hard - boiled detective genre. Its noir atmosphere, complex plot, and the character of Sam Spade have been emulated by many writers since.

Definitely 'Watchmen'. It changed the way people thought about superheroes. It showed that they could be complex, morally ambiguous, and be part of a story that was more than just good vs. evil. Another very influential one is 'The Dark Knight Returns'. It influenced how Batman was portrayed in movies and other media, making him darker and more brooding.

Among them, 'Hamlet' is extremely influential. Shakespeare's exploration of human indecision, revenge, and the nature of existence has been studied and imitated for centuries. 'Alice's Adventures in Wonderland' is another very influential one. Its surreal and imaginative world has inspired many works in the realm of fantasy literature. Also, 'Gulliver's Travels' with its satirical look at different societies has left a mark on literature.

One way is to look at how often a novel is studied in schools and universities. For example, if a book like 'Macbeth' by Shakespeare is constantly on the curriculum, it's likely very influential. Another way is to see how many other works reference or are inspired by a particular novel. 'Alice's Adventures in Wonderland' has been referenced in so many other works, from movies to other books, which shows its influence.

Some of the top influential novels include 'Pride and Prejudice' by Jane Austen. It has influenced the way we view relationships and society. Another is '1984' by George Orwell, which has had a huge impact on how we think about totalitarianism and privacy. And 'To Kill a Mockingbird' by Harper Lee, which is highly influential in terms of racial justice and moral education.