What Do All the "Great American Novels" Have in Common?

Here we go, folks: the Great American Novel Challenge. Vocal Plus just lobbed us a curve-ball of a prompt: they want us to write the first chapter of the "Great American Novel." Or, if you're from elsewhere, make it the Great "Insert-Your-Country-Here" Novel.

Here's the link to the challenge.

Now, before you start panicking and thinking, "How am I supposed to write a novel worthy of the GAN title?" let's slow down a bit. We need to figure out what makes a book a GAN in the first place.

The anatomy of a Great American Novel

What makes these stories stand out from the rest? What magic ingredient do they have?

OK. let's start at the beginning by understanding what "Great American Novel" actually means.

It's a term used to describe those super-respected, insanely influential works of fiction that manage to capture the essence of the American experience or culture.

While there’s no strict rule or set of criteria for what might constitute a "great American novel," these kinds of novels have a few common characteristics that seem to pop up time and time again. So let's dive in and see what those are.

Common Traits in Great American Novels

Sweeping scope

The Great American Novels usually paint on a large canvas.

These novels aren't just stories about individuals; they're about whole generations, significant chunks of American history, or big societal shifts. It's like they're giving us a grand tour of American life.

Take John Steinbeck's "East of Eden." This isn't just a tale of two families in California's Salinas Valley.

East of Eden is an epic story that spans generations. It delves deep into some heavy themes like good versus evil, the complexities of human relationships, and the tough journey towards finding oneself and seeking redemption.

In other words, it's not your everyday family drama. It's a saga that mirrors the struggles and transformations of a much bigger picture—America itself.

Exploration of American identity

Great American novels don't shy away from the messy, complex, and sometimes uncomfortable parts of what it means to be American.

They tackle issues that shape the American experience—from race to class, from gender to immigration, and everything in between.

For instance, the "Invisible Man" by Ralph Ellison. It's not just a story about one African American man's journey from the South to Harlem.

Invisible Man is a commentary about race and identity in a society that's divided along racial lines. So while it's one man's journey, it's also a broader exploration of American identity.

Great Characters

Unforgettable, iconic characters are the bread and butter of the Great American Novel.

These are the folks who symbolize certain traits, who carry the spirit of their time and place right on their shoulders.

Take J.D. Salinger's "The Catcher in the Rye." At the heart of the story is Holden Caulfield, a disillusioned teen who's practically a poster boy for the feelings of alienation and rebellion that so many young people go through.

This isn't just a character; it's an icon that shows the teenage experience, American-style.

Social commentary

The Great American Novels aren't just telling stories; they're making a statement.

They serve as social commentators, taking a long, hard look at big issues and questioning the norms and values that everyone else seems to take for granted.

A perfect example is "The Grapes of Wrath" by John Steinbeck. Set smack dab in the middle of the Great Depression, it's the story of the Joad family, who pack up their lives in Oklahoma and head west to California, hoping for a better future.

But it's more than just their journey; it's a hard critique of the society and economy of the era.

Linguistic excellence

The Great American Novels aren't just compelling in content; they're delicious in their delivery.

We're talking rich, expressive language that the author uses to capture the heart of the American landscape and its many people.

Take a look at "Their Eyes Were Watching God" by Zora Neale Hurston. She doesn't just tell us a story about Janie Crawford's journey to self-discovery and empowerment.

She immerses us in the language and dialect of the African American community in the early 20th century. It's a masterclass in using language to paint a lifelike portrait of a community and an era.

Reflection of historical context

History isn't just for textbooks; it's for novels too.

The Great American Novels have their roots sunk deep into history. They're drawn from the reality of their times. They share the events and sentiments that were shaping the world when they were written.

Just take Harper Lee's "To Kill a Mockingbird" It's not just a story set in the 1930s American South.

To Kill a Mockingbird is a story soaked in the racially charged atmosphere of the time, wrestling with themes of racial injustice and moral growth, all seen through the innocent eyes of young Scout Finch.

It's a reflection of its time, but it's also timeless; that's what makes it a great American novel.

Enduring relevance

Here's the thing: Great American novels weren't just popular in their day. They've got staying power.

They've got this timeless vibe about them that keeps them relevant with readers, no matter how much time has passed.

Take "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" by Mark Twain. Yeah, it's a about Huck Finn's adventures down the Mississippi River, but it's also so much more than that.

Huck Finn explores issues like racism, freedom, and the issue of morality—topics that don't just fade away with time.

It's been generations since Twain penned this classic, but it still speaks to us today. That's the mark of a great American novel.

Literary acclaim

The Great American Novels aren't just crowd-pleasers; they’re the ones that make the critics take notice too.

They're appreciated for their artistic chops and for their impact on the landscape of American literature.

Just consider Toni Morrison's masterpiece,"Beloved." This isn't just a Pulitzer Prize-winning novel. It's a gut-punch of a story about Sethe, an escaped slave who can't escape the memory of her past.

The way Morrison weaves this tale—with her lyrical prose and heavy themes like slavery and motherhood—it's no wonder the book has earned rave reviews from critics. It's a masterwork that's left its mark on American literature.

You know, when we talk about the "Great American Novel," it's like we're on a quest to pinpoint the book that captures the very spirit of America. That's a big ask, right?

Imagine trying to capture all the complexity, diversity, highs and lows, and sweet and sour of American life within a couple hundred pages. Yet that's exactly what these books did.

Keep in mind that these are just a few examples, and there are many other novels that could be considered great representations of the characteristics associated with the Great American Novel.

• The "Great American Novels" aim is to capture the essence of American life, its ups and downs, joys, and sorrows. These novels attempt to paint a vivid picture of the American experience and everything that makes America what it is.

• To write a GAN, you need to dive deep into the heart of America, exploring its many parts that make it so unique.

Link to the challenge

Author's Note*

As I was writing this article, it hit me - all these books were required reading through high school.

At one time or another, many of theses books were considered too controversial. Nonetheless, Each one of them is a brilliant piece of literature that I enjoyed reading. But if I had to pick an absolute favorite from high school, it would be "The Good Earth."