20 Questions
Which author's novels were landmarks in the history of European fiction and inspired many imitators in the eighteenth century?
Samuel Richardson
Which author initially wrote a draft of Sense and Sensibility in letter form in the eighteenth century?
Jane Austen
In what century did the decline of the epistolary novel begin according to the text?
Nineteenth century
In Michael Frayn's The Trick of It, what event involving the protagonist and JL takes place?
They exchange letters describing an intimate encounter
What technological invention is suggested to possibly provoke a revival of epistolary novels in the text?
Fax machine
How does the modern epistolary novelist create a plausible scenario according to the text?
By separating the correspondents by a considerable distance
What is the primary internal conflict experienced by the character in the text?
Being divided between admiration and suspicion towards the woman
Why does the text mention that a fictional letter is indistinguishable from a real letter?
To demonstrate the blurred line between reality and fiction in epistolary novels
What advantage does an epistolary novel have over an autobiography in terms of narrative structure?
It allows for multiple points of view on the same event
How does Frayn use the form of letters in his novel to create a more complex discourse?
By addressing each letter to a specific addressee
What literary technique is employed when Frayn's character anticipates his Australian friend's reactions in his letters?
Dramatic irony
How does the epistolary novel differ from a journal in terms of narrative style?
It offers multiple correspondents and different perspectives on events
What method did early novelists use to have an unprecedented power over their audiences?
Epistolary method
Why did some readers beg Richardson not to allow the heroine of 'Clarissa' to die?
Because the readers thought it was an actual correspondence
What did the academic in the text complain about regarding novelists?
They embroider and improve on the truth
What is the main reason modern readers of literary fiction will not be taken in by pseudo-documentary realism?
They know it is a trick
What aspect of Frayn's character is revealed when he ignores his pastoral responsibilities?
His self-obsession
How did readers react to the publication of 'Clarissa' volume by volume?
'Clarissa' was praised by readers
'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?
Novelists
'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 know it's all a trick"
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.
Make Your Own Quizzes and Flashcards
Convert your notes into interactive study material.
Get started for free
