Well, William Shakespeare can't be ignored. Although his works were mainly plays, they are also important in the realm of English literature and have influenced novel writing greatly. Then there's Mark Twain, an American writer but his works are in English. 'The Adventures of Tom Sawyer' and 'Adventures of Huckleberry Finn' are his masterpieces. Additionally, Thomas Hardy, with novels like 'Tess of the d'Urbervilles' that often deal with the themes of fate and social class.
Vikram Seth is also notable. His 'A Suitable Boy' is a mammoth work that showcases the post - independence India. It weaves together multiple storylines and characters from different backgrounds, giving a panoramic view of the society. His writing is known for its elegance and the ability to handle complex relationships and historical settings.
Margaret Atwood could also be considered in this category. While she is known for many types of writing, her works like 'Alias Grace' which delves into the story of a female convict in the 19th century is a great example of historical fiction about women. Then there's Philippa Gregory, who has written many books set in different historical periods, especially around the Tudor and Stuart times, focusing on the lives of women and has won awards for her writing.
The Paragon Literature Prize was one of the highest awards in the Chinese literary world. Due to the strict selection criteria and the relatively complicated selection process, Sichuan won the contradictory literature award.
Currently, there were two in Sichuan Province:
1 Sichuan Province won the 2012 Literature Prize for Pardicalism;
2 Sichuan Province won the 2006 Literature Prize for Parody.
In addition, many outstanding works such as Yang Jiang, Chen Zhongshi, Jia Pingwa, Mo Yan, etc. also emerged in Sichuan Province. Their works had an important position in the history of Chinese literature.
One characteristic is their rich exploration of Indian culture. For example, they often depict the complex caste system, like in 'The God of Small Things'. Another is their use of language. They blend English with Indian words and phrases to create a unique voice. For instance, Salman Rushdie in 'Midnight's Children' does this masterfully.
They often have well - developed female characters. For example, in Hilary Mantel's works, the female characters are complex and their motives are deeply explored. Another characteristic is detailed historical research. Writers like Philippa Gregory do extensive research on the time periods they write about, whether it's the clothing, the social hierarchies or the political situations of that era.
One of the famous English writers of short stories is Edgar Allan Poe. His works are known for their macabre and mysterious themes. For example, 'The Tell - Tale Heart' is a short story full of psychological tension. Another is Katherine Mansfield. Her short stories often explore the subtleties of human relationships and emotions. 'Miss Brill' is a great example, which delves into the loneliness and self - delusion of a woman. Also, H.G. Wells wrote some notable short stories. His stories sometimes have elements of science fiction, like in 'The Country of the Blind' where he presents an interesting thought experiment about perception.
Jane Austen contributed by depicting the social life of the English gentry in a very vivid and detailed way. Her works showed the importance of marriage, social status and relationships in that era. For example, in 'Pride and Prejudice', we can see how different characters' personalities and social standings interact. Dickens, on the other hand, often wrote about the poor and the social problems of his time. His works like 'Oliver Twist' exposed the dark side of the society, such as the workhouse system and child exploitation.
Indian writers in English novels have contributed significantly in terms of cultural representation. They have introduced the rich and diverse Indian culture to the global audience. For example, Khushwant Singh through his works has shown different aspects of Punjabi culture.
Alfred, Lord Tennyson also wrote about Arthurian themes. His 'Idylls of the King' is a collection of poems that retell the Arthurian stories in a very lyrical and romantic way. He brought new life to the old tales, making them accessible and appealing to a wide audience. For example, his descriptions of the characters like King Arthur, Guinevere, and Lancelot are very vivid and full of emotion.