One of the best pre - 20th century novels is 'Pride and Prejudice' by Jane Austen. It's a classic that explores themes of love, marriage, and social class in 19th - century England. The relationship between Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy is iconic.
Pre - 19th century novels often had complex moral and social themes. For example, many focused on the class structure, with characters' fates being greatly influenced by their social standing. They also typically had a more formal language style compared to modern novels.
Another is 'Jane Eyre' by Charlotte Bronte. The novel follows the life of the eponymous Jane, her love for Mr. Rochester, and her journey through life with its many hardships and moral dilemmas. It's a classic tale of love and self - discovery in the Victorian era.
The settings were often very detailed. Take the Sherlock Holmes stories again. The descriptions of London, from the fog - covered streets to the seedy alleys, added to the atmosphere of mystery. Also, the characters in these novels were typically well - defined, with distinct personalities that contributed to the overall mystery and suspense of the story.
There is also 'The Adventures of Tom Sawyer' by Mark Twain. Set in the pre - 20th century American South, it follows the mischievous adventures of a young boy named Tom Sawyer. It gives a vivid picture of the life, culture, and values of that time and region, with Tom's escapades including everything from whitewashing a fence to getting lost in a cave.
The pre - 20th - century romance novels also had an impact on the way modern literature portrays social hierarchies within love stories. In novels like 'Jane Eyre', the differences in class and status between the characters play a crucial role in the development of the love story. This has carried over to modern literature, where social and economic differences often add tension to relationships.
There was Daniel Defoe. His 'Robinson Crusoe' was quite popular. Also, Jonathan Swift with his 'Gulliver's Travels'. These authors were able to create vivid worlds and memorable characters in their pre - 19th - century novels. Defoe's Crusoe was a great example of a character dealing with isolation and survival, while Swift used his work to satirize society.
Many pre - 20th century novels offer a historical perspective. 'The Scarlet Letter' by Nathaniel Hawthorne, for instance, shows the strict Puritan society in America. We can learn from these novels about how society used to be and how far we've come. Also, the writing styles in these novels have influenced modern literature. Writers like Dickens had a unique way of creating vivid characters and settings that still inspire today's authors.
Sure. 'Moby - Dick' by Herman Melville is a remarkable pre - 20th century novel. It tells the story of Captain Ahab's obsessive quest to hunt down the white whale, Moby - Dick. It's not just an adventure story but also a deep exploration of human nature, fate, and the power of nature.
Another excellent pre - 20th - century mystery novel is 'The Moonstone' by Wilkie Collins. It has a complex plot full of mystery and intrigue. There are multiple suspects and a lot of twists and turns that keep the reader guessing until the end.