Themes:
* Focus on individual psychology and interiority: Modern novels often delve deeply into the thoughts, feelings, and motivations of characters, exploring their inner lives and often blurring the lines between objective reality and subjective perception.
* Exploration of social and political issues: Modern novels frequently address contemporary issues like class, race, gender, war, and societal change, often with a critical lens.
* Emphasis on realism and authenticity: Modern novels strive to portray life as it is, including its complexities, contradictions, and often unpleasant aspects.
* Questioning traditional narrative structures: Modern novelists often experiment with non-linear storytelling, fragmented narratives, stream-of-consciousness, and multiple points of view.
Style:
* Emphasis on language and style: Modern novels often pay close attention to language, using it as a tool to create mood, atmosphere, and character.
* Influence of modernist movements: Modernist literature, with its emphasis on experimentation and breaking conventions, has had a profound impact on modern novels.
* Use of symbolism and allegory: Modern novels often employ symbolism to convey deeper meanings and explore complex ideas.
Examples of Modern Novels:
* The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
* Ulysses by James Joyce
* To the Lighthouse by Virginia Woolf
* One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel García Márquez
* Beloved by Toni Morrison
* The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood
It's important to note:
* The term "modern novel" is fluid and evolving. There's no strict definition or a clear line separating it from other literary periods.
* Modern novelists often build on the work of their predecessors, drawing inspiration from earlier literary traditions.
* The "modern novel" is a constantly evolving genre, with new writers and movements constantly pushing boundaries and shaping its future.
Ultimately, understanding what makes a novel "modern" requires considering its context, themes, style, and the influence of the literary landscape at the time of its creation.