Question

The rise of the novel in the later 18th century was significantly influenced by a growing middle class and an increasing emphasis on:

• A. Aristocratic intrigue
• B. Heroic military exploits
• C. Individual experience and domestic life
• D. Philosophical treatises

Answer 1

Answer:

C. Individual experience and domestic life

The Rise of the Novel in the Later 18th Century

• Socio-Economic Shifts: The 18th century witnessed a burgeoning middle class (bourgeoisie) with increased literacy and disposable income. This demographic became a key audience for literary works, seeking narratives that reflected their own lives and values.
• Emphasis on Individualism: The Enlightenment era fostered a greater focus on the individual's thoughts, feelings, and personal journey. This philosophical shift encouraged writers to explore the inner lives and subjective experiences of their characters.
• The Domestic Sphere: As societal structures evolved, the home and family life gained prominence. Novels began to delve into the complexities of domestic relationships, marital issues, child-rearing, and the moral education within the household.
• Realism and Verisimilitude: Writers aimed to portray life as it was, focusing on plausible characters, everyday settings, and relatable situations. This contrasted with earlier forms of literature that often featured aristocratic heroes, fantastical elements, or heightened drama.
• Key Authors and Works:
  • Daniel Defoe: His works like Robinson Crusoe (1719) and Moll Flanders (1722) are often considered early examples, focusing on individual survival and social mobility.
  • Samuel Richardson: Known for his epistolary novels, such as Pamela; or, Virtue Rewarded (1740) and Clarissa (1748), which deeply explored female consciousness and moral dilemmas within domestic settings.
  • Henry Fielding: While often seen as a counterpoint to Richardson, Fielding's works like Joseph Andrews (1742) and Tom Jones (1749) also engaged with social realities and individual character development, albeit with a more satirical and picaresque tone.
  • Laurence Sterne: Tristram Shandy (1759-1767) experimented with narrative form, highlighting the subjective and often fragmented nature of individual experience.
• Technological and Social Factors:
  • The proliferation of printing presses and circulating libraries made books more accessible and affordable.
  • The rise of journalism and periodicals also contributed to a reading public interested in contemporary life and opinions.
• Impact on Literary Tradition: The novel's ascendancy marked a significant shift from earlier literary forms like epic poetry and drama, establishing a genre that would become dominant in subsequent centuries due to its capacity for exploring psychological depth and social commentary.