Ian Watt The Rise Of The Novel Pdf
When it comes to the history of the novel, Ian Watt's "The Rise of the Novel" is considered to be one of the most important works in the field. Published in 1957, the book provides an in-depth analysis of the development of the English novel during the 18th century.
Who was Ian Watt?
Ian Watt was a literary critic and historian who was born in 1917 in Scotland. He studied at the University of Edinburgh and later at the University of London, where he earned a PhD in English literature. Watt went on to teach at various universities, including Stanford University and the University of British Columbia. He passed away in 1999.
What is "The Rise of the Novel" about?
"The Rise of the Novel" is a seminal work in the field of literary criticism. The book examines the emergence of the English novel during the 18th century and explores the social and cultural factors that contributed to its development. Watt argues that the novel arose as a response to the changing nature of society and the individual's place within it.
What are some of the key arguments in "The Rise of the Novel"?
One of the main arguments in "The Rise of the Novel" is that the novel was a product of the middle-class society that emerged in England during the 18th century. According to Watt, the novel provided a way for the middle class to assert its cultural and intellectual superiority over the aristocracy. Watt also argues that the novel played a key role in the development of individualism and the rise of the modern subject.
What is the significance of "The Rise of the Novel"?
"The Rise of the Novel" is a landmark work in the field of literary criticism. It has been influential in shaping the way scholars understand the development of the novel and its relationship to broader social and cultural trends. The book has also been influential in the study of the middle-class culture of the 18th century and its impact on the development of modern society.
Conclusion
Overall, Ian Watt's "The Rise of the Novel" is a work of great significance in the field of literary criticism. It provides a comprehensive analysis of the emergence of the English novel during the 18th century and explores the social and cultural factors that contributed to its development. The book has been influential in shaping the way scholars understand the novel and its relationship to broader social and cultural trends.