Factors for the Rise of Novel in 18th Century

Questions and Answers

Who are referred to as the 'Four Wheels of the Novel' and why?

The 'Four Wheels of the Novel' refers to the novelists Richardson, Fielding, Smollett, and Sterne, who were pivotal in the development of the novel as a literary genre during the 18th century.

What role did the Industrial Revolution play in the rise of the novel during the 18th century?

The Industrial Revolution created a desire among people to read literature related to their everyday experiences, leading to the emergence of the novel as a popular genre.

How did the decline of drama affect the novel in the early 18th century?

The decline of drama during this period led to a shift in literary interest towards the novel, which began to flourish as a preferred form of storytelling.

According to D.H. Lawrence, how is the novel defined?

D.H. Lawrence defines the novel as 'one bright book of life,' emphasizing its capacity to depict human experiences vividly. Signup and view all the answers

What role did the Licensing Act of 1737 play in the evolution of drama and the novel?

The Licensing Act of 1737 contributed to the decline of drama, prompting dramatists to transition into novelists, which led to the rising popularity of the novel. Signup and view all the answers

What is the origin of the term 'novel'?

The term 'novel' is derived from the Italian word 'novella,' which means a 'little new thing' and refers to the short anecdotes of the 14th century. Signup and view all the answers

In what way did the rise of common people contribute to the development of the novel?

The rise of common people, fueled by democratic movements, led novelists to address their lives and problems, making the novel a relatable and popular form of literature. Signup and view all the answers

How did the periodical essays of Addison and Steele influence the novel in the modern period?

The periodical essays established the foundations for the novel of characters, cultivating public taste and paving the way for the social and domestic novels. Signup and view all the answers

How did realism and romance manifest in the early novel, and who were its precursors?

Realism and romance in the early novel were introduced by writers like Defoe, Bunyan, and Swift, who laid the groundwork for the genre's development. Signup and view all the answers

What does the rise of the novel signify regarding the limitations of classicism in literature?

The rise of the novel signifies a departure from the strict limitations of classicism, allowing writers to explore new themes and techniques freely. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Rise of the Novel in the 18th Century

The novel emerged as a literary genre in the early 18th century, reflecting societal changes due to the Industrial Revolution.
Demand for literature grew as people sought relatable stories reflecting their everyday experiences.

Key Novelists of the Era

Four significant figures in the evolution of the novel: Richardson, Fielding, Smollett, and Sterne, collectively regarded as the "Four Wheels of the Novel."
Their contributions laid the groundwork for the fledgling genre of prose fiction.

Definition and Origin of Novel

The term "novel" is derived from the Italian "novella," meaning a small or new thing, related to anecdotal storytelling in the 14th century.
The modern novel gained prominence during the Victorian era, overshadowing poetry and drama as the central part of English literature.

Factors Contributing to the Rise of the Novel

Decline of Drama: The decline of drama post-1737 Licensing Act led writers to shift focus from drama to novel-writing as a way to capture the narrative longing of audiences.
Rise of Periodical Essays: The works of Addison and Steele in publications like "The Spectator" cultivated the public's taste for character-driven storytelling, laying a foundation for the novel's development.
Pre-existing Influences: Earlier authors such as Defoe and Swift introduced realism and adventure, facilitating the transition to the novel format through their contributions.
Democratization of Literature: The rise of the common people during the 18th century democratized literature, with writers beginning to focus on themes relevant to everyday individuals and their struggles.
Liberation from Classicism: The novel represented a departure from the strict constraints of classical literature, allowing authors more creative freedom to explore contemporary issues.
Embrace of Realism: The novel's connection to everyday life and real experiences helped establish it as a dominant literary form, portraying a blend of realism and romance appealing to a broad audience.

Description

Explore the influencing factors that led to the emergence of the novel as a significant literary genre in the 18th century. This quiz examines the impacts of the Industrial Revolution and societal changes that shaped prose fiction and its characters. Test your knowledge about this transformative period in literature!