Novel: A Literary Genre

Novel: Etymology

The term “novel” originates from the Latin word “novellus,” meaning new or fresh. It transitioned through Old Italian and Old French before entering Middle English as “novel” in the 14th century. Originally signifying a fictional narrative, the term distinguished itself from traditional literary forms.

By the 18th century, the novel evolved into a distinct genre, encompassing diverse narratives that delve into the complexities of human experience and society, reflecting its etymological journey from the Latin concept of freshness to its contemporary significance.

Novel: Literal and Conceptual Meanings

Term	Literal Meaning	Conceptual Meaning
Novel	– Derived from Latin “novellus,” meaning new or fresh.	– Represents a work of fiction with extended prose, depicting characters and events.
	– Entered Middle English in the 14th century.	– Implies a departure from traditional literary forms.
	– Initially referred to a fictional narrative.	– Embraces diversity in narrative styles and themes.
	– Evolved to signify a distinct literary genre.	– Explores the complexities of human experiences.
	– Historically associated with novelty and innovation.	– Reflects a dynamic and evolving form of storytelling.

Novel: Definition as a Literary Genre

A novel, as a literary genre, is an extended work of fiction written in prose that typically explores complex characters and intricate plots within a broader narrative framework. It distinguishes itself from shorter forms of fiction by its length, allowing for in-depth character development and the exploration of multifaceted themes. The novel, as a genre, has evolved over centuries, embodying a diverse range of styles and subjects, reflecting the depth and breadth of human experiences and societal complexities.

Novel: Types

Types	Explanation	Examples from Literature
Historical Novel	Set in a specific historical period, blending fictional and real events to provide a nuanced portrayal of the past.	* The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett * Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel
Mystery/Thriller Novel	Features a central mystery or suspenseful plot, often involving detectives, crime, and unexpected twists.	* The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson * Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
Romance Novel	Focuses on romantic relationships as a central theme, exploring the emotional dynamics of love.	* Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen * Outlander by Diana Gabaldon
Science Fiction Novel	Speculative narratives set in futuristic worlds, featuring advanced technology and exploration of scientific concepts.	* Dune by Frank Herbert * The Left Hand of Darkness by Ursula K. Le Guin
Fantasy Novel	Involves magical or supernatural elements, often set in imaginary worlds with mythical creatures and magical systems.	* The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien * Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J.K. Rowling
Adventure Novel	Centers on protagonists engaged in exciting journeys or quests, featuring elements of danger, exploration, and heroism.	* The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle * The Odyssey by Homer
Dystopian Novel	Portrays a bleak, oppressive future society, exploring themes of control, rebellion, and societal collapse.	* 1984 by George Orwell * The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
Coming-of-Age Novel	Focuses on the protagonist’s personal growth and development, typically through pivotal life experiences.	* To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee * The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
Satirical Novel	Utilizes humor, irony, or exaggeration to critique and ridicule societal or political issues.	* Animal Farm by George Orwell * Catch-22 by Joseph Heller
Autobiographical Novel	Draws heavily from the author’s life experiences, blurring the line between fiction and autobiography.	* The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath * On the Road by Jack Kerouac

This table outlines various types of novels, provides concise explanations for each type, and offers examples from literature to illustrate their characteristics.

Novel: Key Characteristics

• Prose Form: Novels are written in prose, distinguishing them from poetic or dramatic forms of literature.
• Extended Length: Typically longer than short stories, novellas, or other forms of fiction, allowing for in-depth exploration of characters and themes.
• Complex Characters: Novels often feature well-developed and multifaceted characters with intricate personalities and motivations.
• Plot Development: In addition to character depth, novels allow for the development of complex and layered plots, often with multiple storylines.
• Narrative Structure: Novels can employ various narrative structures, including linear, nonlinear, or experimental, contributing to their diverse storytelling.
• Exploration of Themes: Novels delve into a wide range of themes, addressing societal issues, human nature, and moral dilemmas.
• Realistic or Imaginary Settings: Novels can be set in realistic, historical, or fantastical worlds, offering a broad canvas for storytelling.
• Dialogue and Description: Novels use a combination of dialogue and descriptive language to convey both character interactions and the surrounding environment.
• Reflective of Society: Many novels serve as mirrors to societal concerns, offering commentary on cultural, political, and ethical issues.
• Reader Engagement: Novels often aim to engage readers emotionally and intellectually, encouraging a deeper connection with the narrative.

Novel in Literature: Suggested Readings

1. Austen, Jane. Pride and Prejudice. Penguin, 1813.
2. Hemingway, Ernest. The Old Man and the Sea. Scribner, 1952.
3. Morrison, Toni. Beloved. Knopf, 1987.
4. Orwell, George. 1984. Harcourt Brace, 1949.
5. Rushdie, Salman. Midnight’s Children. Jonathan Cape, 1981.
6. Tolstoy, Leo. Anna Karenina. Viking Press, 1877.
7. Woolf, Virginia. Mrs. Dalloway. Harcourt, 1925.
8. García Márquez, Gabriel. One Hundred Years of Solitude. Harper & Row, 1967.
9. Atwood, Margaret. The Handmaid’s Tale. McClelland and Stewart, 1985.
10. García Márquez, Gabriel. Love in the Time of Cholera. Knopf, 1988.
11. Booth, Wayne C. The Rhetoric of Fiction. University of Chicago Press, 1961.
12. Bakhtin, Mikhail. Problems of Dostoevsky’s Poetics. University of Minnesota Press, 1984.