6.1 Origins and development of the English novel

The English novel emerged in the 18th century, driven by rising literacy rates and a growing middle class. This new literary form reflected societal changes, exploring themes of everyday life, social mobility, and individual experience.

Novels like Daniel Defoe's "Robinson Crusoe" and Samuel Richardson's "Pamela" pioneered the genre. These works showcased the novel's ability to delve into characters' inner lives and tackle contemporary issues, setting the stage for its future development.

Emergence of the English Novel

Literacy and Publishing Advancements

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• Rise of literacy rates in 18th-century England created demand for new literature forms
  • Expanded reading public sought diverse reading materials
  • Literacy rates increased from ~30% in 1700 to ~60% by 1800
• Growth of printing industry improved novel accessibility
  • Technological advancements (steam-powered presses) increased production speed
  • Reduced book costs made novels more affordable (average novel price dropped from 10 shillings to 6 shillings)
• Weakening of censorship laws allowed greater print expression
  • Lapse of Licensing Act in 1695 reduced government control over publishing
  • Encouraged more diverse and controversial literary works (political satires, social critiques)

Societal and Intellectual Shifts

• Increasing urbanization provided new subject matter for novelists
  • Population shift from rural to urban areas (London's population doubled between 1700-1800)
  • Explored themes of city life, social mobility, and class dynamics
• Emergence of coffee houses fostered literary discourse
  • Served as intellectual hubs for discussion and debate (over 3,000 coffee houses in London by 1730)
  • Facilitated circulation of ideas and literary works
• Influence of Enlightenment ideals shaped novel's focus
  • Emphasized reason, individualism, and empiricism
  • Contributed to novels exploring personal experiences and psychological depth
  • Examples: John Locke's "Essay Concerning Human Understanding" influenced character development in novels

Novel Characteristics

Narrative Structure and Techniques

• Extended prose narratives allow complex plot development
  • Significantly longer than short stories or novellas (typically 60,000+ words)
  • Enables intricate character arcs and multiple storylines
• Incorporates multiple subplots and large character casts
  • Creates interconnected narrative threads
  • Allows exploration of various perspectives and relationships
• Employs combination of description, dialogue, and narration
  • Creates immersive fictional worlds
  • Conveys passage of time and character development
  • Examples: Detailed descriptions in Jane Austen's works, extensive dialogue in Henry Fielding's novels

Focus on Realism and Everyday Life

• Emphasizes psychological realism and characters' inner lives
  • Utilizes techniques like stream of consciousness or free indirect discourse
  • Provides deep insights into characters' thoughts and motivations
• Focuses on ordinary individuals and everyday experiences
  • Contrasts with heroic or mythical subjects of epic poetry
  • Explores relatable situations and moral dilemmas
• Engages with contemporary social issues and cultural debates
  • Reflects and critiques society of its time
  • Addresses topics like class, gender, and social norms
  • Examples: Social commentary in Charles Dickens' works, exploration of marriage in Jane Austen's novels

Earlier Literary Influences

Classical and Medieval Traditions

• Picaresque tradition influenced early novels' structure
  • Originated in Spanish literature (Lazarillo de Tormes, 1554)
  • Contributed episodic structure and roguish protagonists
  • Examples: Daniel Defoe's "Moll Flanders," Henry Fielding's "Tom Jones"
• Medieval romances shaped novel's adventure and love themes
  • Influenced depiction of quests, chivalry, and courtly love
  • Examples: Sir Thomas Malory's "Le Morte d'Arthur" influenced later romantic novels
• Classical epics impacted novel's narrative scope
  • Contributed to extended narratives and character development over time
  • Examples: Homer's "Odyssey" influenced the structure of epic novels

Non-Fiction and Dramatic Influences

• Travel writing informed novel's exotic settings depiction
  • Shaped portrayal of cross-cultural encounters and adventures
  • Examples: Jonathan Swift's "Gulliver's Travels" drew from travel narratives
• Epistolary forms provided model for multiple perspectives
  • Influenced novels experimenting with letter-based narratives
  • Examples: Samuel Richardson's "Pamela" and "Clarissa"
• Restoration drama impacted portrayal of society and behavior
  • Contributed to novels' focus on manners and social satire
  • Examples: Comedies of manners influenced Jane Austen's social commentary

Middle Class Influence on the Novel

Economic and Social Factors

• Expanding middle class created new readership with leisure time
  • Drove demand for novels as entertainment
  • Increased book sales and circulation of lending libraries
• Middle-class values became central novel themes
  • Explored individualism, self-improvement, and social mobility
  • Examples: Daniel Defoe's "Robinson Crusoe" embodied self-reliance and industry
• Novels' focus on domestic life reflected middle-class experiences
  • Portrayed family relationships, courtship, and marriage
  • Examples: Jane Austen's novels centered on domestic sphere and marriage plots

Thematic and Stylistic Influences

• Exploration of social class dynamics featured prominently
  • Characters often navigated different social strata
  • Examined tensions between aristocracy, middle class, and working class
  • Examples: William Makepeace Thackeray's "Vanity Fair" critiqued social climbing
• Middle-class interest shaped novel's moral and didactic elements
  • Incorporated lessons on virtue, propriety, and social conduct
  • Examples: Samuel Richardson's "Pamela" promoted moral behavior
• Emphasis on realism appealed to middle-class readers
  • Portrayed relatable characters and contemporary settings
  • Reflected economic realities of trade and professional life
  • Examples: Elizabeth Gaskell's "North and South" depicted industrial society and class conflicts