The English Novel in Literature (1)

 

The English Novel in Literature

General Parameters of the Novel in Literature

GENRE: Fiction (Narrative)

STYLE: Prose

LENGTH: Extended

Definitions:                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      "An imaginary work in prose of a considerable length, which presents real certain characters living in a given environment and describes their attitude, fate and adventures."

(Percy Lubbock)

"The novel is like a symphony in that the closing movement echoes and resounds with all that has gone before."

(John Gardner)

Outcomes of Definitions:

~ We notice all the different ways in which one can define the novel. The most important literary genre, novels are basically just products of writers' imaginations.

~ These definitions emphasize various aspects of the novel such as real and life-like characters, rising of conflicts and presentation of themes etc.

~ The universal idea that the novel should be believable is one of the unique qualities of the novel and explains its popularity as a literary form.                                                                                                      

~ The novel has various unique qualities or characteristics that distinguish it from other forms of prose.