History of the English Novel

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Questions and Answers

What are the two main classes of fictional prose?

Tale or Romance and Novel

What distinguishes 'Tale or Romance' from a 'Novel'?

Tale or romance depends on incident and adventure for its main interest, while the novel focuses on character and motive.

What is the origin of the English novel and when did it peak?

The English novel originated in the 16th and 17th centuries and reached its peak in the Age of Pope and Dr. Johnson.

Who are considered the 'four wheels' of the novel?

<p>Richardson, Smollett, Fielding, and Sterne (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the main factor responsible for the rise of the novel in 18th century England?

<p>The rise of the middle class.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What were the aspirations of the newly rich middle class in 18th century England?

<p>To excel in all areas, including literature (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The novel was a direct product of the middle class in 18th century England.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are some factors that contributed to the rise of the novel in the 18th century?

<p>All of the above (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The 17th century literature flourished under the patronage of the upper classes.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What major social changes were experienced by the middle class in the 18th century?

<p>The middle class experienced significant social and economic changes, including increased access to education, growth in trade and commerce, and social mobility.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the main characteristic of 18th century literature?

<p>A combination of reason, intellect, correctness, and satire (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Women in the 18th century had restricted opportunities to engage in activities traditionally associated with men.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role did novels play in the lives of women during the 18th century?

<p>Novels provided a source of entertainment, education, and emotional satisfaction for women, especially those from the upper and middle classes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why were novels published in serialized form in the 18th century?

<p>All of the above (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The development of the printing press made it more cost-effective to produce and distribute books.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the main reason for the decline of drama in the 18th century?

<p>Drama lost its fame in the 18th century as it failed to remain influential compared to the Elizabethan Age.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What significant social changes took place in Europe during the Renaissance?

<p>All of the above (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the impact of these social changes on the emergence of the novel?

<p>The social changes, including the rise of the middle class, shift in power dynamics, and changes in religious outlook, created a favorable environment for the development of the novel as a form of realistic narrative.</p> Signup and view all the answers

The emergence of the novel in the 18th century was closely linked to the growing confidence in human agency and the belief that individuals could shape their own lives and destinies.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What were the key characteristics of the novel as a literary form in the 18th century?

<p>The novel became a platform to explore human existence, delve into everyday lives, and present relatable characters and situations, examining moral dilemmas, social dynamics, and personal struggles. It offered a nuanced portrayal of society, critiquing social norms and providing insights into the individual's place within society.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who are considered some of the significant contributors to the development of the novel in the 18th century?

<p>Daniel Defoe, Henry Fielding, and Samuel Richardson</p> Signup and view all the answers

Jane Austen's novels were all popular during her lifetime.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main theme explored in 'Pride and Prejudice'?

<p>The main themes explored in 'Pride and Prejudice' are love, marriage, class, and social expectations.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What major works did Jane Austen write?

<p>Northanger Abbey, Sense and Sensibility, Pride and Prejudice, Mansfield Park, Emma, and Persuasion (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is Jane Austen often considered to be a master of?

<p>The 'pure novel'</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the key elements of a 'pure novel', according to Jane Austen?

<p>The key elements of a 'pure novel' include a focus on human interactions, limited characters, a strong emphasis on design and structure, a central theme/subject, and a recognition of limits.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the original title of 'Pride and Prejudice'?

<p>The original title of 'Pride and Prejudice' was 'First Impressions'.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main reason for the popularity of 'Pride and Prejudice'?

<p>'Pride and Prejudice' is popular mainly due to the complex relationship between Darcy and Elizabeth, and the wit and irony used in the novel.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Jane Austen received numerous awards during her lifetime for her novels.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why are Jane Austen's novels considered classics of English literature?

<p>Jane Austen's novels are considered classics due to their insightful social commentary, engaging characters, and masterful storytelling, which continue to captivate readers worldwide.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main setting of 'Pride and Prejudice'?

<p>The novel is set in rural England during the early 19th century.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What family is central to the plot of 'Pride and Prejudice'?

<p>The Bennet family.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the names of the five Bennet sisters in 'Pride and Prejudice'?

<p>The five Bennet sisters are Jane, Elizabeth, Mary, Kitty, and Lydia.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the two central characters in the romance plot of 'Pride and Prejudice'?

<p>The two central characters in the romance plot are Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the key themes explored in 'Lord of the Flies'?

<p>The key themes in 'Lord of the Flies' are civilization versus savagery, power and authority, loss of innocence, fear and the unknown, human nature and evil, and social order and anarchy.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main setting of 'Lord of the Flies'?

<p>The novel is set on a deserted island where a group of British boys are stranded after a plane crash during wartime.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who is the central character who is elected as the leader of the boys in 'Lord of the Flies'?

<p>The central character who is elected as the leader of the boys in 'Lord of the Flies' is Ralph.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main conflict in 'Lord of the Flies'?

<p>The main conflict involves the clash between the rational and ordered society led by Ralph and the primal and violent group led by Jack, who succumbs to their baser instincts and savagery.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the 'beast' in 'Lord of the Flies'?

<p>The 'beast' in 'Lord of the Flies' represents both the external threat of the unknown and the internal fear and savagery that exists within the boys themselves.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main theme explored in 'Mrs. Dalloway'?

<p>The main theme explored in 'Mrs. Dalloway' is the impact of time and memory, and the struggle between individual desires and societal expectations.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the central character in 'Mrs. Dalloway'?

<p>The central character in 'Mrs. Dalloway' is Clarissa Dalloway, a wealthy woman in London in the 1920s.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What literary technique is prominently used in 'Mrs. Dalloway'?

<p>'Mrs. Dalloway' utilizes the stream-of-consciousness technique to explore the thoughts and inner experiences of the characters, resulting in a rich tapestry of emotions, memories, and desires.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What prominent symbol represents the passing of time and societal constraints in 'Mrs. Dalloway'?

<p>Big Ben serves as a prominent symbol representing the passing of time and the external constraints imposed by societal expectations on the characters in 'Mrs. Dalloway'.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the major themes explored in 'Hard Times' by Charles Dickens?

<p>The major themes explored in 'Hard Times' are utilitarianism, mechanization, social inequality, and the portrayal of the working class.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main setting for 'Hard Times'?

<p>'Hard Times' is set in the fictional industrial town of Coketown, which represents the grim reality of many Victorian cities during the Industrial Revolution.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the central character who represents the struggles of the working class in 'Hard Times'?

<p>The central character who represents the struggles of the working class in 'Hard Times' is Stephen Blackpool.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the major criticisms of industrial society that Dickens presents in 'Hard Times'?

<p>Dickens critiques industrial society through the flaws of utilitarianism, mechanization, and social inequality. He argues that industrialization dehumanizes individuals and privileges profit over human welfare.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are some of the key themes explored in the Victorian period?

<p>All of the above (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Victorian women writers were largely confined to writing about domestic life and romance.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main argument of this essay about Victorian women writers and characters?

<p>This essay explores the significance of Victorian women writers and characters, highlighting their role in challenging societal norms, breaking literary barriers, and contributing significantly to the advancement of literature.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Victorian women writers were influential in promoting feminist movements and advocating for women's rights.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Tale or Romance

A type of fictional prose that primarily focuses on exciting incidents and adventures, thrilling the reader.

Novel

A more complex type of fiction that emphasizes character development, motives, and the exploration of human nature.

The Rise of the Middle Class

This social group, which included merchants and professionals, gained significant power and influence during the 18th century, driving demand for new forms of literature.

Transformation of Religion

This era saw a shift towards a more personal and subjective understanding of faith, influencing the development of the novel.

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The Enlightenment

This period emphasized reason, observation, and the belief in human potential, shaping the realistic approach of the novel.

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Realism in the Novel

The novel's ability to depict everyday lives of ordinary people, offering a relatable perspective.

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Social Commentary in the Novel

The novel became a means of social commentary, critiquing norms and reflecting on the individual's place in society.

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Pride and Prejudice - Novel

Jane Austen's most famous work, following Elizabeth Bennet's journey of love and self-discovery, and her encounter with Mr. Darcy.

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Steventon, Hampshire

A small, conservative, and rural area in England where Jane Austen was born.

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Bath, England

A large city in western England that the Austen family moved to, but which didn't offer the peace of their previous home.

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Sense and Sensibility

Austen's first published novel, exploring two sisters' different approaches to love and societal expectations.

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Northanger Abbey

A satirical novel by Jane Austen, mocking the popular Gothic style of writing.

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Mansfield Park

A novel by Jane Austen focusing on Fanny Price's moral challenges as she grows up in a wealthy family.

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Emma - Novel

A novel by Jane Austen about Emma Woodhouse, a well-meaning but misguided matchmaker.

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Persuasion

Jane Austen's final complete novel, exploring second chances, regret, and the complexities of love.

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Concentration on Humans and Mutual Reactions

Jane Austen's emphasis on focusing on human relationships and interactions, making marriage and relationships central themes.

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Concentration on Design

Jane Austen's use of a carefully planned structure, ensuring each part serves a purpose and contributes to the whole.

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Relations Between Characters and a Central Theme

Jane Austen's limitation of her themes and focus on specific topics, such as marriage and social expectations.

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Recognition of Limits

Jane Austen's awareness of the boundaries of her work, focusing on a limited scope rather than attempting to encompass everything.

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A Middle-Class, Provincial Setting

The novel's setting in a small, middle-class community, usually in the countryside.

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Courtship and Marriage

The focus of the novel on love, courtship, and marriage, exploring the dynamics of romantic relationships.

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Economy of Material

Jane Austen's use of controlled details, ensuring every element in the novel has a purpose.

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Irony and Moral Commentary

The use of irony and subtle commentary on societal customs and behaviors.

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Lord of the Flies - Novel

The novel's exploration of the darker aspects of human nature, societal breakdown, and the fragility of civilization.

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Establishment of Society

The boys' initial attempts to organize themselves under Ralph's leadership, focusing on order and rules.

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Savagery and Primal Instincts

Jack's group of hunters who embrace a primal lifestyle that leads to violence and disregard for rules.

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The Beast

The fear of a mysterious creature on the island, symbolizing the boys' collective fear and anxieties.

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Loss of Innocence

The gradual transformation of the boys from innocent children to violent and brutal individuals.

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Power and Authority

The novel's exploration of the dynamics of power and authority in the absence of established systems.

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Social Order and Anarchy

The novel's depiction of how easily societal norms can break down when faced with fear, desire, and unchecked power.

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The Conch Shell

The conch shell, a symbol of order and authority, which is eventually smashed, signifying the breakdown of civilized behavior.

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Symbolism in Lord of the Flies

The novel's use of symbolic objects and events to represent larger ideas and concepts.

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Study Notes

Types of Novels

  • Two main classes of fictional prose exist: Tale or Romance and Novel.
  • Tale or Romance depends on incident and adventure.
  • Novel depends on character development and motivation.

English Novel History

  • Originated in the 16th and 17th centuries.
  • Reached a peak in the Age of Pope and Dr. Johnson.
  • Four key novelists of the Augustan Age (Neo-classical age): Richardson, Smollett, Fielding, and Sterne.

Factors Influencing the Rise of the Novel in the 18th Century

  • Rise of the Middle Class: The 18th century saw a rise in the middle class due to increased trade and commerce.
  • Economic Prosperity: This new class had disposable income for leisure activities, including reading.
  • Social Mobility: Unlike the rigid social structure of the aristocracy, the middle class offered opportunities for upward social mobility. Novels reflected this.
  • Accessibility & Serialization: Novels were serialized in affordable form, making them widely accessible.
  • Increased Literacy: More people learned to read, increasing the demand for reading material.
  • Development of Printing Press: Easier and more cost-effective distribution made books more readily available.

Role of Women

  • During the 18th century, women had limited opportunities for activities outside of domestic duties.
  • Reading novels became a significant leisure activity.
  • Novels provided knowledge, stimulation, and emotional outlet.
  • Female characters offered a sense of identification and empathy for readers.

Rise of Realism

  • 18th-century literature was characterized by realism, reason, intellect and correctness.
  • Enthusiasm, passion, and imagination declined in importance.

Decline of Drama

  • Drama lost prominence during the 18th century.
  • The English novel took its place.

Emergence of Novel

  • The emergence of the novel as a form of realistic narrative was tied to social changes and shifting values like the rise of confidence in the power of individuals to shape their destinies.
  • Spiritual experience and moral choices became more personal.

The Novel as a Literary Form

  • Novel was a platform to explore human existence by delving into everyday life of ordinary people.
  • It represented alternative forms of storytelling.
  • The novel allowed for a more nuanced portrayal of society.
  • Novels provide moral dimensions, social dynamics and the struggles of individuals.

Jane Austen

  • Born in 1775- Died in 1817
  • Author of six famous novels, none of which were popular during her lifetime.
  • Novels gained popularity after her death.
  • Important themes are marriage, family, social class, and societal expectations.

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