Definition of Novel - Origin of Novel - 18th Century the Rise of Novel Major writers - Factors that Contributed to The Rise of the 18th Century Novel - BS English Subject introduction of Literature History of English Literature Semester 1 Punjab University

Today's novel is regarded as one of the most significant genres of literature in English. It influences great elements of language and is now an essential component of art. However, the development of the English novel was mainly in the 18th century, which does not indicate that before this period there was no kind of novel. It simply implies that the publication of novels and authors has risen throughout this time.

Definition of Novel

''Novel is an important fictional prose collection, in which persons and events are portrayed in a more or less complex history.''

''The novel is a colourful book about life.''

''Novel is a long-standing storey that is not actual historically, but may easily be true.''

Origin of Novel

The English name's novel originates from the Italian novella - something new. The novel was a sort of 14th-century tale. The novel that replaced poetry and theatre has been the most important component of the Victorian period in English literature.

An integral part of English literature is the English novel. To this moment, it has evolved in multiple styles and improvements. This novel is a prosaic work of art that focuses on the imagination of exploring people's unique interests through the interlinked events of a chosen person and setting. It is also a fictional genre that was a medium for entertainment, information, or a combination of the two. With this in mind, any piece of fiction, long enough to be adapted as a book, can be described as "newness." Since its creation, the novel has been adapted to include forms of romance, thriller, historical, picaresque, science fiction, psychological, gothic, epistolary, manners, etc. Richardson and Fielding's magnificent work was followed by two other great writers of the 18th century, Smollett and Sterne. Thus,  Fielding  Sterne, Richardson, and Smollett, the group of four early writers, are named the Four Wheels of the Novel.

Factors that Contributed to The Rise of  the 18th Century Novel

Rise of the middle class
The literature of the 17th century flourished under the patronage of the aristocratic classes. The history of society in England throughout the 18th century is characterized by the rise of the middle classes. With the growth of trade and commerce, the trade elite in England became wealthy, and this newly rich class also sought to excel in literature. This class was neglected by the native writers and their tastes and aspirations were mirrored in the novelists of this era. The novel was really the invention of the middle class. The middle-class rise was thus very inevitable. 

Newspapers and magazines
In the 18th century, a large number of middle-class readers emerged in newspapers and newspapers. These new readers had little interest in the romantic events and tragic occurrences captivated by the upper class. A new kind of writing that reflected the new ideals of the 18th century was needed and this new type of literature was nothing but novel.

Rise of Realism
Literature dating back to the 18th century characterized itself by the spirit of realism and romantic qualities like enthusiasm, passion, imagination, etc. The main characteristics of 18th-century literature were reason, intellect, precision, sardonic attitude, and so on. In an English novel, all these characteristics were given.

The role of women
Women of the upper and middle classes were allowed to participate in a variety of men's events in the 18th century. Although they could not engage in government, politics, hunting, party, etc but during their free time, they used to read literature.

Decline of drama
The decline in theatre also contributed to the novel's growth in the 18th century. Drama lost its prestige in the 18th century in the Elizabethan Age. It did not stay an important literary form. Some others were so to take their place and from 1740 A.D the English novel took its place. The decline of the tragedy thus brought the English novel into being.

18th Century  the Rise of Novel Major writers

Daniel Defoe

Defoe was born in London, England, in 1660. He became a trader and took part in many failed companies facing bankruptcy and hostile creditors. He was also a prolific politician who landed him for defamation in jail. Late in his life, Robinson Crusoe turned his writing into fiction and was one of the most widely read and influential novels ever. Defoe passed away in 1731.

Daniel Defoe Works

• Robinson Crusoe
• Moll Flanders: An Authoritative Text, Contexts, Criticism
• A Journal of the Plague Year
• The Farther Adventures of Robinson Crusoe
• The Fortunate Mistress
• An Essay Upon Projects

Jonathan Swift 

Irish novelist, clergyman, and satire Jonathan Swift was born on November 30, 1667. He earned his bachelor's degree from Trinity College under the supervision of his uncle and subsequently worked as a state assistant. He eventually became dean of Dublin's St. Patrick's Cathedral. Most of his texts have been published under pseudonyms. For his 1728 novel Gulliver's Travels, he is most known.

Jonathan Swift Works

• A Modest Proposal
• A Tale of a Tub
• The Battle of the Books
• A Journal to Stella
• Drapier's Letters
• Gulliver's Travels

Samuel Richardson 

He was (1689, 1761), an English writer who extended his creation and usage of the letter form ('epistolary novel'), to exploit the dramatic potential for the book. Pamela (1740) and Clarrisa (1747–48) were his main books.

Samuel Richardson Works

• Pamela; or, Virtue Rewarded
• Clarissa: Or, the History of a Young Lady
• The History of Sir Charles Grandison
• Becoming True Saviors of Men

Henry Fielding 

Born Apr 22, 1707, Sharpham Park, Somerset, Eng. Henry Fielding. He died Oct 8, 1754, Lisbon), writer and dramatist believed to be the creator of the English novel alongside Samuel Richardson. Joseph Andrews (1742) and Tom Jones are among his greatest books (1749).

Henry Fielding Works

• Tom Jones
• Don Quixote
• Amelia
• Joseph Andrews
• An Apology for the Life of Mrs. Shamela Andrews
• The Life and Death of Jonathan Wild, the Great
• A Journey from This World to the Next

Eliza Haywood

Eliza Haywood was an English author, performer, and editor.

Famous works of Eliza Haywood

• The history of Jemmy and Jenny Jessamy
• Fantomina
• Love in Excess: Or the Fatal Enquiry
• The history of Miss Betsy Thoughtless
• The invisible spy

Conclusion

In The Rise of the Novel, Ian Watt claimed that the novel started in the early 18th century,  Print innovations encouraged the novel's development. The only reason a novel exists is that it attempts to mirror life. The novel has become a major part of English literature.