English I Unit 9: The Novel

Definition of the Novel

• Origin of the term "novel" is the Italian word "novella."
• Precursors to novels include cycles, fabliaux, tales, and romances.

Historical Development

• The novel's roots trace back to various narrative forms prior to the eighteenth century.
• Key literary movements that influenced the novel include naturalism, romanticism, impressionism, expressionism, and realism.

Contributions of Cycles and Fabliaux

• Cycles consist of collections of stories about notable characters, crafted over long periods by different authors.
• Fabliaux are narrative poems that satirize human behavior, enriching the narrative art form.

Significance of Tales and Romances

• Tales are simple narratives focused on maintaining reader interest and suspense.
• Romances, tied to the age of chivalry, feature heroic knights, imaginative storytelling, and character-driven social distinctions.

Notable Cultural Stories

• "The Matter of England" includes stories from Germanic and English traditions.
• "The Matter of France" centers on figures like Charlemagne and William of Orange.
• "The Matter of Antiquity" features legends such as Alexander the Great and the cities of Thebes and Troy.
• "The Matter of Britain" primarily involves the saga of King Arthur.

Formative Influences on Novels

• Diaries: Personal accounts documenting daily events; notable example is Samuel Pepys' diary.
• Journals: Less intimate than diaries, focusing on broader observations rather than personal thoughts.
• Biographies: Deep character portrayal by emphasizing a central figure's life and the historical context; Plutarch's "Parallel Lives" is a significant example.

Notable Literary Works

• Geoffrey Chaucer's significant narrative poem: "Canterbury Tales."
• The Anglo-Saxon epic "Beowulf" serves as an early biographical template, commemorating great figures while promoting moral lessons.

Explore the definition of a novel and its historical development from the eighteenth century. Delve into various literary and artistic movements such as naturalism, romanticism, and impressionism that have influenced the novel.