The NovelThe Novel

Definition: a fictional prose narrative of considerable length

Main Characteristics of Main Characteristics of the Novelthe Novel

1. Has a unified plot2. Focuses on the psychological

treatment of its characters3. Adopts the mode of realism or

romance

ReRealismalism"the attempt to represent accurately the actual world; a literary movement that developed in reaction to the artificialities of romantic literature and melodramatic drama and that tended to focus on the lives of ordinary people, to use the language of daily speech, and to develop themes that offered social criticism and explored the problems of mundane life" (Harbrace Anthology of Literature 1188)

Realism (cont.)Realism (cont.)

Note:

(1)Realism rose to prominence in the nineteenth century, but texts earlier and later than this period can be realist.

(2) In literary studies, the adjective for realism (as discussed here) is “realist” (not “realistic”).

Romance Romance

A narrative characterized by exotic adventure rather than by

the realistic depiction of character and scene.

Characteristics of Characteristics of RomanceRomance

1. Its characters are stereotypes and are clearly divided into good and evil. Some stock romance characters are the kidnapped princess, the greedy and cruel aristocrat, the knight in shining armour, the unfairly deposed prince, and the loyal servant.

2. Virtue wins over vice.

Characteristics of Romance Characteristics of Romance (cont.)(cont.)

3. The plot deals with extraordinary, action-filled events. Romances have little interest in the daily lives of ordinary people.

4. A love relationship often is a key element in the plot, but it is not the only element. Usually the male and female protagonists are thwarted in their love initially, though their love prevails by the story's end.

Characteristics of Romance (cont.)Characteristics of Romance (cont.)

5. Nostalgia for the distant past characterizes romance. Romance gained popularity in the European Middle Ages (Medieval Period); even in later centuries, romances often had medieval settings, which added to romance’s exoticism and reflected a longing (nostalgia) for what at least seemed to be simpler times.

Romance versus RealismRomance versus Realism

-particularly in the 19th century, the novel was associated with romance.

-in fact, the equivalent word for “novel” in some European languages derives from the word “romance” (e.g., roman in French, Roman in German, romanza in Italian).

-Most novels published today are romance (e.g. mystery, spy, chick lit, fantasy), not realist

Romance Versus Romance Versus RealismRealism

Romance is about “what used to be” or “what should or could be,” whereas

realism is about “what is.”

Romance versus Realism (cont).Romance versus Realism (cont).

-Realism describes life as people actually experience it (the good, the bad and especially what lies in-between). Romance is interested in an idealized past, a morally clear present, or in an astonishing future.

-the term “romance novel” today refers to a novel whose central focus is a love relationship. In this course, we are not using the word “romance” in that way.

-It’s possible that a novel can have elements of both romance and realism.

Henry James, American writer

Henry James (born 1843, died 1916)

Born in New York City, he lived in the U.S., France, and Italy before moving to England.

He became a British citizen shortly before he died of a stroke.

He was famous in his lifetime.

The Gothic NovelThe Gothic Novel

Gothic novelGothic novel

-Definition: A genre of the novel dealing with the supernatural or fantastical, originating (in English) in the mid-eighteenth century and reaching its peak in the 1790s.

-Gothic novels are romances.-The first English-language Gothic novel

was The Castle of Otranto (1764) by Horace Walpole

Characteristics of the Gothic NovelCharacteristics of the Gothic Novel

1. The setting is a large, old house or a castle. The house is full of secrets: trap doors and hidden passageways, secret rooms and stairs.

2. The novel has an air of mystery and suspense. Gothic novels have threatening, fearful atmospheres: mysterious ancestors, deaths and related unfortunate events; strange sounds (screams, weeping); bad weather (storms, winds); blasted landscape (moors, forests, craggy mountains, isolated valleys).

Characteristics of the Gothic Novel (cont.)Characteristics of the Gothic Novel (cont.)

3. A prophecy or legend is connected to the house or people associated with the house. 4. Characters experience visions, portents or omens. Dreams, the death of a pet, the destruction of a household object, all signal doom.

5. Supernatural or inexplicable events are the focus of or the background to the novel. Ghosts and magical objects (or rumours of such) are typically attached to buildings, persons or family histories.

Characteristics of the Gothic Novel (cont.)Characteristics of the Gothic Novel (cont.)

6. Emotions run high. Terror, surprise, anger, nervousness, despondency are expressed hyperbolically.

7. Women are the focus of danger and fearfulness. Often a woman is one of the protagonists. She is subject to oppression, anxiety and terror (also a great deal of fainting and crying).

8. Women are threatened by tyrannical, powerful men. The man is usually in a position of power (lord of the manor, aristocrat, father) and can force the woman to do something she doesn't want to do (an unwanted marriage, a crime).

Typical Artwork in Gothic novelsTypical Artwork in Gothic novels

Famous Gothic Novels and FilmsFamous Gothic Novels and Films

Gothic and Neo-Gothic Novels Gothic-inspired Films

Shelley’s Frankenstein (1818)

King’s The Shining (1977)

Nosferatu (1922)The Woman in Black

(2012)

Can you think of other popular books, films or TV shows that have Gothic elements?