Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which author's novels were landmarks in the history of European fiction and inspired many imitators in the eighteenth century?
Which author's novels were landmarks in the history of European fiction and inspired many imitators in the eighteenth century?
Which author initially wrote a draft of Sense and Sensibility in letter form in the eighteenth century?
Which author initially wrote a draft of Sense and Sensibility in letter form in the eighteenth century?
In what century did the decline of the epistolary novel begin according to the text?
In what century did the decline of the epistolary novel begin according to the text?
In Michael Frayn's The Trick of It, what event involving the protagonist and JL takes place?
In Michael Frayn's The Trick of It, what event involving the protagonist and JL takes place?
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What technological invention is suggested to possibly provoke a revival of epistolary novels in the text?
What technological invention is suggested to possibly provoke a revival of epistolary novels in the text?
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How does the modern epistolary novelist create a plausible scenario according to the text?
How does the modern epistolary novelist create a plausible scenario according to the text?
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What is the primary internal conflict experienced by the character in the text?
What is the primary internal conflict experienced by the character in the text?
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Why does the text mention that a fictional letter is indistinguishable from a real letter?
Why does the text mention that a fictional letter is indistinguishable from a real letter?
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What advantage does an epistolary novel have over an autobiography in terms of narrative structure?
What advantage does an epistolary novel have over an autobiography in terms of narrative structure?
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How does Frayn use the form of letters in his novel to create a more complex discourse?
How does Frayn use the form of letters in his novel to create a more complex discourse?
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What literary technique is employed when Frayn's character anticipates his Australian friend's reactions in his letters?
What literary technique is employed when Frayn's character anticipates his Australian friend's reactions in his letters?
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How does the epistolary novel differ from a journal in terms of narrative style?
How does the epistolary novel differ from a journal in terms of narrative style?
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What method did early novelists use to have an unprecedented power over their audiences?
What method did early novelists use to have an unprecedented power over their audiences?
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Why did some readers beg Richardson not to allow the heroine of 'Clarissa' to die?
Why did some readers beg Richardson not to allow the heroine of 'Clarissa' to die?
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What did the academic in the text complain about regarding novelists?
What did the academic in the text complain about regarding novelists?
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What is the main reason modern readers of literary fiction will not be taken in by pseudo-documentary realism?
What is the main reason modern readers of literary fiction will not be taken in by pseudo-documentary realism?
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What aspect of Frayn's character is revealed when he ignores his pastoral responsibilities?
What aspect of Frayn's character is revealed when he ignores his pastoral responsibilities?
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How did readers react to the publication of 'Clarissa' volume by volume?
How did readers react to the publication of 'Clarissa' volume by volume?
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'That's what they do, these people. They embroider, they improve on the truth - they tell lies.' Who is being referred to in this quote from the text?
'That's what they do, these people. They embroider, they improve on the truth - they tell lies.' Who is being referred to in this quote from the text?
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'Modern readers of literary fiction will not be thus taken in'. Why won't modern readers be taken in according to the text?
'Modern readers of literary fiction will not be thus taken in'. Why won't modern readers be taken in according to the text?
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Study Notes
European Fiction and the Epistolary Novel
- The novels of Henry Fielding and Samuel Richardson were landmarks in the history of European fiction and inspired many imitators in the 18th century.
Sense and Sensibility
- Jane Austen initially wrote a draft of Sense and Sensibility in letter form in the 18th century.
Decline of the Epistolary Novel
- The decline of the epistolary novel began in the 19th century.
The Trick of It by Michael Frayn
- In The Trick of It, the protagonist and JL have an affair.
- Frayn uses the form of letters in his novel to create a more complex discourse.
- The character anticipates his Australian friend's reactions in his letters, employing the literary technique of projection.
- The protagonist's failure to respond to his pastoral responsibilities reveals his neglect of duty.
Advantages of Epistolary Novels
- Epistolary novels have an advantage over autobiographies in terms of narrative structure, as they allow the writer to create a more nuanced and multi-layered narrative.
Literary Realism
- Modern readers of literary fiction will not be taken in by pseudo-documentary realism because they are aware of the constructed nature of reality.
Clarissa by Samuel Richardson
- Readers begged Richardson not to allow the heroine of 'Clarissa' to die, demonstrating the emotional investment and power of epistolary novels.
- The publication of 'Clarissa' volume by volume created a sense of anticipation and suspense among readers.
Criticisms of Novelists
- The academic in the text complained that novelists "embroider, they improve on the truth - they tell lies," suggesting that they manipulate reality for literary effect.
The Power of Epistolary Novels
- Early novelists used the epistolary form to have an unprecedented power over their audiences, creating a sense of intimacy and immediacy.
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Description
Explore the popularity and significance of novels written in the form of letters during the eighteenth century, with a focus on works such as Samuel Richardson's Pamela and Clarissa. Discover the impact of epistolary novels on European fiction and the evolution of this literary style.
