History of English Novel

A Novel is a long, fictional story written in prose that typically focuses on the experiences, thoughts, and development of specific characters over a period of time. Unlike a short story, its length allows for a complex plot, multiple settings, and a deeper exploration of human nature or social issues. Essentially, it is a book-length narrative that uses imagined events and people to reflect real-life emotions and experiences.

• It is a long work of fiction, usually consisting of thousands of words, which allows for a complex story.
• It is written in ordinary, continuous language (prose) rather than the rhythmic verse or stanzas found in poetry.
• Because of its length, a novel can show how characters change, grow, or fail over a long period.
• It usually features a main plot along with several smaller sub-plots that involve different characters and settings.
• It provides a detailed description of the time and place where the story happens, making the world feel real to the reader.
• Like drama, a novel explores deep ideas or messages about life, society or human nature.
• The story is told through a specific voice, such as a narrator who knows everything (omniscient) or a character telling their own story (first-person).

Features of Novel

Functions/Characteristics of Novel

• Long narrative Fiction
• Describes intimate human experiences
• Presented in Prose form. Narration of a story
• Decorates with time, place & people
• Makes life easier to understand
• Adopted literary prose in the modern era

Elements of Novel

• Theme
• Plot
• Character
• Setting
• Conflict
• Language/Style

THEME

PLOT

CHARACTER

SETTING

CONFLICT

LANGUAGE/STYLE

Types of Novel

Realistic Novel

• A fiction that gives a realistic effect
• It is also called the Novel of Manner
• It can be characterized by mixed motives
• Characters interact with others
• Characters face plausibility
• Characters seem like real people with real issues

Picaresque Novel

• ‘Picaresque’ originated from the Spanish word ‘Picaro’, means a rogue
• It narrates the adventures of a protagonist who is an eccentric, disreputable or dishonest person
• It depicts the adventures of a wicked person
• The story is told in an episodic form
• Hunger, Conflict, Poverty, Corruption and Injustice are perennial themes in Picaresque Novels

Historical Novel

• Set in a period earlier than that of writing
• Attempts to convey the spirit, manners and social conditions of a past age
• Transports readers to another time and place, either real or imagined
• An intriguing plot creates some sort of suspense. Plot makes sense and has a solution

Epistolary Novel

• Derived from the Latin word ‘epistola’, which means ‘letter.’
• Presentation with the help of a series of correspondence & documents
• Letters & Diary entries are very popular forms of Epistolary Novel
• Newspaper clippings are also used
• Dates back at least to ancient Roman Times
• Gained popularity in 17th & 18th Century

Gothic Novel

• Largely known by Subgenre of Gothic Horror
• Emphasis on emotion & a pleasurable kind of ter
• Extension of the Romantic Literary Movement
• A Story of Terror, Suspense, Death, Decay or Haunted Buildings
• Usually set in a Gloomy Old Castle or Monastery
• The term associated with Superstition in the 18th century

Utopian Novel

• Utopia is an Imaginary Community
• Utopia is an Ideal Society
• Common literary theme used in Science & Speculative fiction
• Utopian & Dystopian explore Social & Political structure
• All Social Evils have been cured in Utopian Society

Autobiographical Novel

• Based on the life of the author
• The author changes the places & names of characters
• The author may change or avoid certain details of his life
• It may or may not be in the first-person narration
• Autofiction techniques are used

Psychological Novel

• Treats the internal life of the main character
• External factors are studied too
• Emphasizes interior characterization
• Explore spiritual & emotional lives
• Examines the reasons of character’s behaviour
• Known as Psychological Realism, also

Allegorical Novel

• Allegory is a story that bears more than one level of meaning
• Surface meaning is different from the symbolic meaning of it
• Symbolic meaning may be political, religious, historical or philosophical
• It describes situations and events or expresses abstract ideas in terms of material objects, persons and actions
• It is a symbolic, fictional narrative that conveys a meaning not explicitly set forth in the narrative

Stream of Consciousness Novel

• A phrase coined by William James in his treatise ‘Principles of Psychology’, 1890
• Incidents in the plot are in the sequence of their occurrences. Novelists narrate them by adding in the character’s mind
• It means the flow of the thoughts. It is a person’s thoughts and conscious reactions to events, perceived as a continuous flow

‘Bildungsroman’ Novel

• The German word ‘Bildungsroman’ indicates ‘Growth.’
• It is a fictional biography or autobiography
• Involved with Protagonist’s mind, spirit & character
• Concerned with the education, development & maturing of young Protagonist
• Psychological, emotional & moral growth of the main character
• The protagonist is forced away from home on a journey

Books mentioned throughout the Chapter & their Writers

Women Novelists in the Great PageantsEnglish Novel Scenario in India

also read:
History of English Drama