The Evolution of Fiction: From Romance to Novel
Literature has come a long way from the days of the epic poem – a long narrative poem, typically describing heroic deeds and adventures of. Over the centuries, fiction fave birth to numerous genres including romance and tragedy, but it was during the 18th century that the novel became one of the most popular forms of fiction.
The Emergence of the Novel
As an art form, the novel evolved and grew as authors began to experiment with form and style. This new mode of storytelling centered around the realist representation of the contemporary world, personal psychology, and everyday life experiences. The writer started conveying the life of common people through this extraordinary form of literature.
Popularization of the Novel
The first half of the 18th century saw the rise of the novel as a popular form of literature, driven by an increased demand from an emergent reading public. It rose as a form of entertainment for readers and began to acknowledge social issues including women’s temperance and the education system of women.
Development of the Modern Novel
Towards the end of the 18th century, the novel had experienced a metamorphosis with authors like Austen and Dickens breaking tradition by focusing on realistic representations of contemporary life, exploring political issues, and often showcasing not the wealthy and privileged but also the struggles of the middle and lower classes.
Rise of Alternative Genres: Suspense, Mystery, and Thriller
As novelists explored new avenues by exploring different genres, novels became instrumental in defining the quintessentially modern concept of social mobility – and writers like Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Edgar Allan Poe were at the forefront of developing suspense and mystery-inspired groundwork for writers of these genres.
Conclusion
As we moved across centuries, the novel disproved the age-old theories that narrative poems alone are far more relatable and easier to read. Rise of the novel brought a close-to-life representation of the experiences a reader might have had or encountered. The tale ended with awareness and ready with probable solutions for day-to-day issues anyone faces. Indeed, a remarkable era infused with powerful and eloquent storytelling – forever changing the landscape of world literature.