Well, there are quite a few. Famous ones include 'Pride and Prejudice', 'Jane Eyre', and 'Moby-Dick', but the total count is difficult to determine precisely as different scholars and readers might have different opinions on what constitutes a classic.
Typically, they have elements of mystery. For example, in 'The Castle of Otranto', there are strange happenings like the appearance of a gigantic helmet that crush people, and the mystery of why these things occur keeps the reader intrigued.
Some well - known classic 19th - century English novels include 'Pride and Prejudice' by Jane Austen. It's a story that mainly focuses on the relationship between Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy, exploring themes like love, marriage, and social class. Another is 'Jane Eyre' by Charlotte Bronte. The novel tells the story of an orphaned girl's journey through life, her love for Mr. Rochester, and her struggle for independence and self - respect.
They are important because they reflect the society of that time. For example, 'Les Misérables' shows the extreme poverty and inequality in 19th - century France. They also influenced the development of the novel as an art form.
Well, 'Germinal' by Emile Zola is a great 19th - century French novel. It shows the harsh life of miners. Then there's 'Carmen' by Prosper Mérimée. It has a very interesting story about a passionate and free - spirited gypsy woman. And don't forget 'The Red and the Black' by Stendhal, which is about a young man's ambition in a complex society.
One of the best is 'To Kill a Mockingbird' by Harper Lee. It's a powerful story about racial injustice in the American South. Another great one is '1984' by George Orwell. It shows a dystopian future where the government has extreme control over people's lives. And 'The Great Gatsby' by F. Scott Fitzgerald is also a classic, exploring themes of wealth, love and the American Dream.
Wilkie Collins' 'The Moonstone' can also be considered a sort of spy - related novel of the 19th century. It has elements of mystery and detective work, which are often related to the spy genre. The complex plot and the way the mystery unfolds keep the readers engaged throughout.
Some popular 18th - century classic novels include 'Gulliver's Travels' by Jonathan Swift. It is a satirical work that takes the reader on adventures with Lemuel Gulliver to strange lands. Another is 'Tom Jones' by Henry Fielding, which is a story full of vivid characters and complex relationships. Also, 'Robinson Crusoe' by Daniel Defoe, which tells the story of a man stranded on an island and his struggle for survival.
Some 20th - century comedy novels include 'Brideshead Revisited' by Evelyn Waugh. It has comical and poignant moments as it delves into the lives of the upper - class in England. 'Slaughterhouse - Five' by Kurt Vonnegut also has a touch of black comedy while dealing with the horrors of war. 'Cold Comfort Farm' by Stella Gibbons is a satirical take on rural life and family dramas, full of comical characters and situations.