Yes, 'Pamela' by Samuel Richardson is often considered one of the first English novels. It was highly influential in the development of the novel form, with its epistolary style (told through letters) and in - depth exploration of character and morality.
One of Samuel Beckett's highly regarded novels is 'Murphy'. It delves deep into the psyche of its protagonist, Murphy, in a rather absurdist way. The story is set in London and Dublin and follows Murphy's journey in a complex world filled with his idiosyncrasies and the challenges he faces both internally and in relation to the society around him.
The 1872 Samuel Butler novel is likely 'Erewhon'. It is a satirical novel that presents a fictional society with its own unique rules and values. It makes readers think about the society they live in by showing this strange yet thought - provoking alternative world.
If it's 'Erewhon', one main theme is the critique of society. It shows how strange some of our own social norms might seem if looked at from a different perspective.
Many would consider 'Waiting for Godot' to be the most influential. It revolutionized theater and literature with its exploration of the absurd. It made people re - think the nature of plot, character, and the purpose of storytelling. Its simple yet profound setting and dialogue have inspired countless playwrights and novelists.
One of his highly regarded novels is 'Dhalgren'. It's a complex and innovative work that challenges traditional narrative structures and explores themes such as identity, race, and sexuality in a post - apocalyptic setting.
In my opinion, 'Dhalgren' stands out. It has a dream - like quality to its narrative that draws readers in. The setting of the novel, a city that seems to be both in ruins and constantly evolving, is very unique. It also has a lot to say about society and the human condition through its characters and their experiences.