Ian Watt Rise Of The Novel Summary
The novel is one of the most popular forms of literature today, but it was not always so. In "The Rise of the Novel," literary critic Ian Watt explores how the novel came to be the dominant literary form in the 18th century. Watt argues that the rise of the novel was a result of several factors, including social and economic changes, the development of literacy, and the emergence of new reading audiences.
The Emergence of the Novel
Before the 18th century, the novel was not a popular form of literature. Instead, poetry and drama were the dominant forms of literary expression. However, during the 18th century, the novel emerged as a new and exciting form of literature. Watt argues that this emergence was due to several factors.
First, social and economic changes meant that more people were able to read. This was because of the growth of cities and the rise of the middle class, which meant that more people had access to education. As a result, more people were able to read and enjoy novels.
Second, the development of literacy was also an important factor in the rise of the novel. Prior to the 18th century, literacy rates were low, and reading was primarily limited to the educated elite. However, the development of the printing press and the growth of literacy rates meant that more people were able to read and enjoy novels.
The Novel as a Reflection of Society
Watt argues that the novel was also a reflection of society during the 18th century. The rise of the middle class and the growth of cities meant that there was a greater interest in the lives of ordinary people. The novel provided a way for authors to explore the lives of ordinary people and to reflect the changes that were taking place in society.
The novel was also a way for authors to explore social issues. For example, many novels of the time explored issues such as class, gender, and race. This meant that the novel was not just a form of entertainment, but was also a way for authors to comment on society and to challenge existing social norms.
The Development of the Novel Form
Another important factor in the rise of the novel was the development of the novel form itself. Watt argues that the novel form was able to convey a greater sense of realism and depth than other forms of literature, such as poetry and drama.
One reason for this was the use of a third-person narrator, which allowed authors to provide a more objective view of their characters and settings. This allowed for a greater sense of realism, as readers were able to see the world through the eyes of the characters.
Another important development was the use of the novel as a form of psychological exploration. Many novels of the time explored the inner thoughts and feelings of their characters, which allowed for a greater sense of depth and complexity.
The Legacy of the Novel
The novel has had a lasting impact on literature and society. The rise of the novel paved the way for other forms of popular literature, such as the short story and the detective novel. It also had a profound impact on society, as it allowed for a greater understanding of ordinary people and their lives.
Today, the novel remains a popular and important form of literature. It continues to explore social issues and to challenge existing social norms. The legacy of the novel is a testament to its enduring power and influence.