B. A English Semester - III

Novel as a Form of Literature British Fiction

Hitesh L. Goswami 7/29/2017

Blesses of My Father

Lakshmangiri….

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Novel as a Form of Literature

Novel is a long narrative in prose detailing the actions of fictitious people.

W. E. Williams

Introduction

The novel is a genre of fiction, and fiction may be defined as the art, through the writer

word, representation of human life. Novel is not a short story in prose; instead, it is actually on

extensive and illustrated account of series of events that happened right through the life of a

character. It is an in-depth and all-inclusive autobiography of a character in the novel. Novel is a

mirror which reflects the picture of a thing put against it.

Novel is a peace of prose fiction of a reasonable length.

However, not all novels are written in prose. There are novels in verse like Vikram Seth’s The Golden

Gate.

Novel – Part of Literature

The English name novel is derived from the Italian novella – meaning a little new thing. The

novella was a kind of anecdote found in 14th century. Since the Victorian period, the novel, replacing

poetry and drama has become the most important part of English literature.

Definition

Though novel is a genre which resists exact definition, here are some definitions of the

novel:

A novel is a peace of prose fiction that consist restricted length.

The novel is only one of many possible prose narrative forms.

D. H. Lawrence says,

The novel is the one bright book of life.

3 Dr. Tillyard Defines,

A novel is not too unorganized; it is a narrative prose of at least 20,000 words.

Whatever may be the meaning of the novel, it is apparent that novel is a picture-perfect image of

the time of the writer.

Elements of the Novel

There are several elements which build the edifice of a novel. Following elements are specific

part of any novel:

1. Theme

Theme is the principal idea of the novel. The entire story of the novel revolves around one main

idea and the authors’ purpose is always to make the readers aware of his main idea. Without

having a clear idea in your mind, you won’t be able to compose a stunning novel!

Example

Charles Dickens’ Great Expectation proves that money is nothing in comparison of Love.

2. Point of View

Point of View is usually an important element of a novel. Point of view is the mode of narration

to portray the events in a novel. Usually there are three types of point of views:

First Person

Second Person

Third Person

3. Dialogue

Dialogue is a key elements o novel. Dialogue may be defined as a written conversation between

two or more people in a novel. Dialogue reflects the personality of the characters. Without

dialogue, the entire structure of a novel sounds like a monotonous essay.

4. Conflict

Next important element of the novel is conflict. Conflict provides interest and suspense. There

are various types of conflicts:

A character struggling against nature

A struggling between two or more characters

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5. Plot

Plot is the arrangement of incidents.

Aristotle.

Plot arises out of conflict in the novel, which builds climax. Without a plot, the structure of a

novel is impossible.

6. Characterization

Characterization is an essential element of a novel. The author unveils the personality of the

character through the characterization. There are two different types of characterization: Direct

and Indirect.

7. Setting

Setting is another compelling element of a novel. Setting means the location, where the events

of the novel have been taken place. It might be one place or it might be covered more than one

place like in Henry Fielding’s The History of Tom Jones.

Types of Novel

Within its broad framework, the genre of the novel has encompassed an extensive range of

types:

Historical

Picaresque

Sentimental

Gothic

1. Historical

For the compile novelist, speedy output is more important than art, thought and originality,

history provides ready made plot and character. Historical themes have inspired the greatest

novelist as like Tolstoy’s War and Peace. In the 20th century, distinguished historical novels such

as The King Must Die exemplify an important function of the fictional imagination of history.

2. Picaresque

The requirements for a picaresque novel are apparently length, loosely linked episodes and such

optional items. In Spain, the picaro was a recognized form, and such English novels as The

Fortunate Mistress can be regarded as picaresque in etymological sense.

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3. Sentimental

The term sentimental signified refined in its mid 18th century. The term must be understood in

Sentimental Journey.

4. Gothic

Gothic was a designation derived from architecture in opposition to the Italian style of

neoclassical. The first Gothic fiction appeared with the works like Monk, which countered 18th

century “rationalism” with the scene of mystery, horror and wonder.

Reason for the Popularity of Novel

The novel become increasingly popular as its social scope expanded to include characters of

working classes. Because of its readership, the novel has become the form which most addressed

the domestic and social concerns.

Conclusion

Novel has become the most important part of English literature in a certain circumstance

that we see as we pass from the enlightenment clarity of the novel; it becomes more and more eye –

catching and important.

People wonder why the novel is the most popular form of literature. The reason is

very simple; it is merely that the novel is the truest form than others in literature.

G. K. Chesterton.

XHITESH L. GOSWAMI

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