What is the Great American Novel?

The Great American Novel is a term used to describe a novel that is widely considered to be the definitive work of American literature. It is a novel that captures the essence of the American experience, exploring themes such as the American Dream, the pursuit of happiness, and the struggle for equality.

The term was coined by John William De Forest in an 1868 essay, in which he wrote:

“The Great American Novel is probably yet to be written, but it will be, when America furnishes a Balzac or a Thackeray. It will be a picture of the ordinary emotions and manners of American existence, neither caricatured nor idealized, neither praised nor blamed, but simply painted with loving, truthful adherence to nature.”

While there is no single novel that is universally agreed to be the Great American Novel, there are a number of works that are often cited as contenders. Some of the most popular examples include:

• Moby-Dick by Herman Melville (1851)
• Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain (1884)
• The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald (1925)
• Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell (1936)
• To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee (1960)
• Beloved by Toni Morrison (1987)
• The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead (2016)

These novels all explore different aspects of the American experience, from the quest for adventure to the struggle for racial justice. They are all well-written and critically acclaimed, and they have all had a significant impact on American culture.

What makes a novel the Great American Novel? There is no one answer to this question, but there are a few common characteristics that many of the contenders share. First, they are all well-written and critically acclaimed. Second, they explore universal themes, such as the pursuit of happiness, the struggle for equality, and the search for meaning in life. Third, they are deeply rooted in the American experience, capturing the unique spirit and culture of the country.

Ultimately, whether or not a novel is the Great American Novel is a matter of opinion. There is no single novel that can definitively capture the essence of the American experience. However, the novels listed above are all excellent examples of American literature, and they all offer valuable insights into the American character.