3.3 The development of the novel of manners

The novel of manners emerged in the 18th century, focusing on social etiquette and moral dilemmas. Pioneers like Samuel Richardson and Frances Burney set the stage, exploring tensions between individual desires and societal expectations in their works.

Jane Austen refined the genre, introducing complex characters and nuanced social commentary. Her influence shaped the novel of manners, establishing archetypes and narrative techniques that continue to resonate with readers and inspire modern adaptations.

Origins of the Novel of Manners

Early Foundations and Pioneers

Top images from around the web for Early Foundations and Pioneers

• 

  Kohli Around The World: Book Reveiw: Pride and Prejudice - Jane Austen View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Novel of manners - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Pamela, o la virtù premiata - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Kohli Around The World: Book Reveiw: Pride and Prejudice - Jane Austen View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Novel of manners - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

Top images from around the web for Early Foundations and Pioneers

• 

  Kohli Around The World: Book Reveiw: Pride and Prejudice - Jane Austen View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Novel of manners - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Pamela, o la virtù premiata - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Kohli Around The World: Book Reveiw: Pride and Prejudice - Jane Austen View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Novel of manners - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

• Novel of manners emerged in the 18th century as a distinct literary genre
• Samuel Richardson's "Pamela" (1740) established early conventions of the genre
  • Focused on social etiquette and moral dilemmas
  • Explored tensions between individual desires and societal expectations
• Frances Burney's "Evelina" (1778) further developed the genre's characteristics
  • Centered on a young woman's coming-of-age in society
  • Emphasized the importance of social customs and proper behavior

Evolution and Expansion

• Jane Austen refined and popularized the genre in the early 19th century
  • "Pride and Prejudice" and "Emma" set new standards for the novel of manners
  • Introduced more complex characters and nuanced social commentary
• Victorian era saw further development of the genre
  • Anthony Trollope expanded the scope to include broader social issues
  • William Makepeace Thackeray incorporated satirical elements to critique society
• Late 19th and early 20th centuries brought the novel of manners to America
  • Edith Wharton explored the clash between Old and New World social customs
  • Henry James contrasted American and European societal norms in his works

Contemporary Iterations

• Modern authors continue to adapt and reinvent the novel of manners
  • Kazuo Ishiguro's "The Remains of the Day" examines class and duty in post-war England
  • Zadie Smith's "On Beauty" updates the genre to explore multiculturalism and academia
• Contemporary works often incorporate:
  • More diverse perspectives and experiences
  • Exploration of modern social issues (gender roles, cultural identity)
  • Experimental narrative techniques while maintaining focus on social dynamics

Defining Features of the Novel of Manners

Social Focus and Commentary

• Primarily examines social customs, etiquette, and conventions of a particular class or era
  • Serves as a lens for broader social critique and analysis
  • Explores the nuances of social interactions and their consequences
• Setting confined to a specific social milieu integral to the narrative
  • Often features English countryside estates (Austen's works)
  • Urban high society settings (Wharton's "The Age of Innocence")
• Employs subtle irony and satire to comment on social hypocrisies
  • Reveals discrepancies between societal ideals and actual behavior
  • Critiques the foibles of human nature within societal contexts

Character Development and Relationships

• Characters' growth tied to their navigation of societal norms and expectations
  • Protagonists often struggle between personal desires and social obligations
  • Secondary characters serve to illustrate various social roles and attitudes
• Intricate plots revolving around courtship, marriage, and social mobility
  • Explores tensions between romantic love and practical considerations
  • Examines the impact of social class on personal relationships
• Dialogue crucial for revealing characters' social standing and values
  • Speech patterns indicate education and class background
  • Topics of conversation reflect characters' priorities and worldviews

Narrative Techniques and Themes

• Employs free indirect discourse for deeper character exploration
  • Allows insight into characters' thoughts while maintaining narrative distance
  • Facilitates subtle social commentary through character perspectives
• Moral dilemmas and ethical choices central to the narrative
  • Characters face conflicts between personal inclinations and social duties
  • Decisions often have significant consequences for characters' social standing
• Focus on the domestic sphere and everyday social interactions
  • Examines the impact of seemingly small social gestures and decisions
  • Reveals larger societal structures through intimate portrayals of daily life

Austen's Influence on the Novel of Manners

Literary Innovations and Style

• Established benchmark for the genre with works like "Pride and Prejudice" and "Emma"
  • Created template for character dynamics and plot structures
  • Set standard for balancing romance with social commentary
• Pioneered use of free indirect discourse in the genre
  • Allowed for deeper character exploration and nuanced social critique
  • Influenced narrative techniques in subsequent novels of manners
• Developed sharp wit and ironic tone for social criticism
  • Used humor to expose societal flaws and hypocrisies
  • Influenced development of social satire within the genre

Character and Setting Archetypes

• Focused on domestic sphere and limited cast of characters
  • Created intimate portraits of social circles and family dynamics
  • Established importance of everyday interactions in revealing social structures
• Portrayed strong, complex female protagonists
  • Characters like Elizabeth Bennet set precedent for independent heroines
  • Explored women's limited options within societal constraints
• Established archetypal settings for the genre
  • English country houses and small villages as microcosms of society
  • Balls and social gatherings as key sites for character interaction and plot development

Enduring Impact and Adaptations

• Contributed to longevity of the novel of manners through enduring popularity
  • Inspired numerous direct adaptations of her works (film, television, literature)
  • Influenced modern reinterpretations of the genre
• Established themes that continue to resonate with readers
  • Universal experiences of love, social pressure, and personal growth
  • Exploration of timeless social issues (class divisions, gender roles)
• Inspired contemporary authors to engage with and update genre conventions
  • Modern works often reference or reimagine Austen's plots and characters
  • Austen's narrative techniques continue to influence contemporary writing styles

Enduring Appeal of the Novel of Manners

Universal Themes and Character Development

• Focuses on timeless themes resonating across cultures and eras
  • Love and romantic relationships (courtship rituals, marriage expectations)
  • Social ambition and class mobility (characters striving to improve their status)
  • Personal growth and self-discovery (protagonists learning to navigate society)
• Emphasizes complex character development and psychological insight
  • Explores characters' internal conflicts and moral dilemmas
  • Examines how social pressures shape individual identity and choices

Social Commentary and Historical Insight

• Provides valuable insights into historical and contemporary social structures
  • Offers window into past social norms and customs
  • Allows readers to compare historical social dynamics with present-day issues
• Addresses modern social issues while maintaining genre's core elements
  • Explores class disparities in contemporary settings
  • Examines cultural assimilation and changing gender roles
• Employs satirical approach for nuanced commentary on society
  • Critiques social hypocrisies and injustices through humor and irony
  • Allows for subtle exploration of complex issues

Adaptability and Modern Relevance

• Genre demonstrates flexibility in adapting to contemporary contexts
  • Modern authors update classic plots for current settings (Curtis Sittenfeld's "Eligible")
  • New works incorporate diverse perspectives and experiences
• Aligns with contemporary literary trends and reader interests
  • Focus on character psychology appeals to modern readers
  • Exploration of social dynamics resonates in era of social media and changing norms
• Popularity of adaptations introduces genre to new audiences
  • Film and television versions attract viewers to original literary works
  • Modern adaptations inspire renewed interest in classic novels of manners