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Questions and Answers
What distinguishing feature sets novels apart from epic poetry?
How do novels differ from drama in terms of storytelling?
Which novel is commonly recognized as the first European novel?
What traditional structures did novelists abandon in the emergence of the novel form?
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Which author is associated with the work 'Life of Johnson'?
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What is a key characteristic that distinguishes novels from drama?
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'Robinson Crusoe' is commonly attributed to which author?
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'Gulliver's Travels' is most commonly associated with which writer?
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What type of characters are typically found in epic poetry?
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What aspect allows events to unfold more slowly in a novel compared to drama?
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Study Notes
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.
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Description
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.
