Oxford History Of The Novel In English
The Oxford History of the Novel in English is a comprehensive study of the English novel from its origins to the present day. It is a seminal work that covers the development of the novel in English literature, and is an essential resource for scholars, students, and general readers interested in the history of the novel.
The Origins of the English Novel
The English novel has its roots in the 18th century, in the works of writers such as Samuel Richardson, Henry Fielding, and Laurence Sterne. These writers created the first novels that were specifically written for entertainment, and they paved the way for the development of the novel as a literary form.
The early English novel was characterized by its realism and its focus on the everyday lives of ordinary people. It was also marked by its use of the epistolary form, which allowed writers to explore characters' inner lives and emotions in a way that had not been possible before.
The Victorian Era
The Victorian era saw a proliferation of novels in English literature. Writers such as Charles Dickens, George Eliot, and Thomas Hardy explored social issues and the lives of the working classes in their novels, and their works continue to be studied and enjoyed today.
The Victorian novel was also characterized by its focus on moral issues, and by its use of complex narrative structures. Many Victorian novels were serialized in magazines, which allowed writers to experiment with different narrative techniques and to build suspense over a longer period of time.
The Modernist Era
The modernist era in English literature saw a break from the traditional narrative structures of the novel. Writers such as Virginia Woolf and James Joyce experimented with stream-of-consciousness narration and fragmented narrative structures, pushing the boundaries of what the novel could be.
The modernist novel was also marked by its exploration of psychological and philosophical themes, and by its use of symbolism and metaphor. Many modernist novels were also concerned with the changing nature of society and the individual's place within it.
The Postmodern Era
The postmodern era in English literature saw a further break from traditional narrative structures, as writers such as Salman Rushdie and Angela Carter explored new ways of telling stories. The postmodern novel was characterized by its use of metafiction, intertextuality, and self-reflexivity.
The postmodern novel was also marked by its exploration of issues such as identity, power, and representation. Many postmodern novels were concerned with the ways in which language and narrative shape our understanding of the world around us.
The Contemporary Novel
The contemporary novel in English literature is a diverse and vibrant field, with writers from all over the world exploring a wide range of themes and narrative techniques. Some contemporary novels continue to explore the issues that have preoccupied writers throughout the history of the novel, while others are breaking new ground in terms of form and content.
The contemporary novel is also marked by its engagement with social and political issues, such as globalization, climate change, and immigration. Many contemporary novels are concerned with the ways in which these issues affect individuals and communities, and with the role that literature can play in shaping our understanding of them.
Conclusion
The Oxford History of the Novel in English is an essential resource for anyone interested in the development of the novel as a literary form. It provides a comprehensive overview of the history of the novel in English literature, and highlights the key themes and techniques that have shaped the genre over the centuries.
Whether you are a scholar, a student, or a general reader, the Oxford History of the Novel in English is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the rich and varied history of one of the world's most popular literary forms.