4 Questions
Who is considered the author of the first European novel?
Miguel de Cervantes
Which novel is an example of a Bildungsroman?
Heart of Darkness
What is a defining characteristic of novellas?
Short, well-structured story
Which author is known for their epistolary novels 'Pamela' and 'Clarissa'?
Samuel Richardson
Study Notes
- The text discusses the history of the novel in English literature, focusing on the 18th and 20th centuries.
- In the 11th century, the "Murasaki Novel" was written in Japan, featuring a story of imperial life and love.
- The first European novel was "Don Quixote" by Miguel de Cervantes in 1605.
- Jonathan Swift's scientific travel literature followed, and Samuel Richardson wrote epistolary novels such as "Pamela" and "Clarissa."
- Notable 18th century novelists included Henry Fielding, Charles Dickens, Walter Scott, Nathaniel Hawthorne, and H.G. Wells.
- Modern topics, innovative styles, and creative writers like James Joyce, Joseph Conrad, Henry James, George Orwell, Graham Green, D.H. Lawrence, William Golding, Anthony Burgess, and J.G. Ballard emerged in the 20th century.
- Women novelists like Bernice Scott, Mary Shelley, and the Brontë sisters made significant contributions to English literature.
- Indian novels in English began with "Bacho Raj Mohan's Wife" by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, who later became a trailblazer for Indian novelists like Amitav Ghosh and Vikram Seth.
- Novellas are short, well-structured stories with a simple storyline and often satiric or ironic tone. Examples include "Heart of Darkness," "Turn of the Screw," and "Billy Budd."
- Elements of a novel include theme, plot, character, setting, conflict, and language or style.
- The "Bildungsroman" is a type of novel that describes the growth of a character's mind and spirit from childhood to adulthood.
- The text mentions the influence of pulp magazines and science fiction on the second half of the 20th century.
Explore the development of the novel from its early roots in different cultures to its evolution in English literature, highlighting key authors, works, and themes from the 18th to the 20th centuries. Learn about significant contributions from novelists worldwide and key elements that define the genre.
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