canonical american novels

Some canonical African American novels include 'Native Son' by Richard Wright. This novel shows the struggle and anger of a young African American man living in a racist society. 'Their Eyes Were Watching God' by Zora Neale Hurston is a great example too. It focuses on a female African American character's journey of self - discovery. And of course, 'Go Tell It on the Mountain' by James Baldwin, which is about the African American experience in Harlem and the search for identity and faith.

Some well - known canonical American novels include 'The Great Gatsby' by F. Scott Fitzgerald. It portrays the Jazz Age and themes of wealth, love, and the American Dream. Another is 'To Kill a Mockingbird' by Harper Lee, which deals with racial injustice in the South. And 'Moby - Dick' by Herman Melville, a complex exploration of obsession and the human condition.

Many canonical American novels have influenced American culture in multiple ways. 'Moby - Dick' has become a symbol of man's struggle against nature and the unknown. It has inspired countless works of art and literature. 'The Scarlet Letter' has influenced how Americans think about Puritan values and the concepts of sin and forgiveness. These novels are often part of the cultural fabric, being discussed and analyzed continuously.

The influence is multi - faceted. Novels such as 'Invisible Man' by Ralph Ellison have changed the way race is depicted in American literature. They've forced white American authors and readers to confront the reality of African American experiences. African American novels have also contributed to the expansion of themes. Before, many American novels focused on white experiences, but these works brought in themes like the search for identity in a racist society, the importance of family and community in the African American context, and the long - lasting effects of slavery and discrimination. For instance, in 'Native Son', Richard Wright shows the complex psychological state of an African American youth in a hostile environment.

Canonical fantasy novels are important as they give a voice to our deepest desires and fears. In 'Alice's Adventures in Wonderland', it explores the idea of a topsy - turvy world which can be seen as a metaphor for the chaos in our own minds or society. They also help in the development of literary techniques. Writers of these novels use unique ways of world - building, character development, and storytelling which other authors can learn from.

Many canonical English novels have complex plots. Take 'The Count of Monte Cristo' for instance. It has a convoluted plot full of revenge, mystery, and redemption. Another characteristic is the use of rich language. In 'Ulysses' by James Joyce, the language is highly experimental and full of allusions, which showcases the depth and artistry of English literature. These novels also usually reflect the social and historical context of their time, like 'Oliver Twist' which shows the harshness of the Victorian era.

A canonical story is basically a story which holds a significant place in a certain framework. It could be a story that forms the basis for a lot of subsequent works. In the field of fairy tales, 'Cinderella' is a canonical story. It has been retold countless times, adapted into different forms like movies, plays, and books. Each version may have some differences, but the core story remains the same and is instantly recognizable. This kind of story often serves as a reference point for other works in the same genre.

Some well - known canonical fantasy novels include 'The Lord of the Rings' by J.R.R. Tolkien. It is a classic with its richly detailed world of Middle - earth, epic battles between good and evil, and a diverse cast of characters like Frodo, Gandalf and Aragorn. Another is 'The Chronicles of Narnia' by C.S. Lewis, which takes readers to the magical land of Narnia through a wardrobe. It has themes of heroism, sacrifice and the battle between good and the forces of the White Witch.

They often have complex characters. For example, in 'Pride and Prejudice', Elizabeth Bennet is a multi - faceted character with her own pride and prejudices that evolve throughout the story.

Well, 'canonical' in the context of books and novels means something that is accepted as part of the standard or main body of literature. It's like the core set of works that are typically studied in schools or highly recommended in literary circles. Canonical books usually have withstood the test of time and are recognized for their literary merit, such as 'Pride and Prejudice' which is a canonical novel in English literature. They shape the way we understand a particular genre or period of literature.