Novella: A Literary Device

Novella: Etymology

The term “novella” originates from the Italian word “novella,” a diminutive form of “nuovo,” meaning “new.” In its literary context, the word evolved during the Renaissance to refer to prose narratives that were shorter than full-length novels but longer and more complex than short stories.

The novellas gained prominence in Italy and later in other European literary traditions. It often denoted a fictional narrative that provided a focused exploration of characters and themes within a condensed form.

Over time, the term has been embraced across various languages, maintaining its association with a distinct and intermediate literary form that occupies a space between shorter and longer narrative works.

Novella: Literal and Conceptual Meanings

Literal Meaning	Conceptual Meaning
“Novella” is derived from the Italian word “novella,” meaning “new.”	In literature, a novella is a narrative form shorter than a novel but longer and more intricate than a short story.
The term “novella” historically referred to shorter tales or narratives.	Novellas often focus on a single, well-developed storyline or theme, providing a more concentrated exploration than short stories.
The word “novellas” is rooted in the concept of something innovative or fresh.	Novellas offer a distinctive literary form that allows for in-depth character development and exploration of ideas within a concise structure.
In its literal sense, “novellas” implies a recent or modern creation.	Conceptually, novellas can be both traditional and contemporary, embodying a versatile narrative form adaptable to various genres and themes.
The etymology emphasizes the novellas’ status as a unique and evolving literary category.	Novellas often strike a balance between brevity and complexity, providing readers with a narrative experience that is both concise and rich in substance.

Novella: Definition as a Literary Device

A novella, as a literary device, is a narrative form that falls between a short story and a novel in terms of length and complexity. Typically, shorter than a novel but longer than a short story, a novella allows for a focused exploration of characters and themes within a more condensed structure.

This literary device often emphasizes depth of characterization and narrative richness, providing a distinct and versatile form for writers to convey intricate stories in a concise manner.

Novella: Types

1. Historical Novellas: Set in a specific historical period, this type of novella often weaves fictional characters and events into real historical contexts, providing a nuanced exploration of the past.
2. Psychological Novellas: Focused on the internal thoughts and emotions of characters, this type delves deep into psychological complexities, revealing the intricacies of human behavior and mental states.
3. Science Fiction Novellas: Set in speculative or futuristic worlds, this type of novella explores scientific and technological concepts, often using speculative elements to examine societal issues.
4. Existential Novellas: Centered on philosophical questions about existence, freedom, and meaning, this type of novella often features characters grappling with the fundamental aspects of human experience.
5. Mystery Novellas: A novella in the mystery genre typically involves a central enigma or puzzle that characters aim to solve, with a focus on suspense, intrigue, and the resolution of the mystery.
6. Romantic Novellas: Emphasizing themes of love and relationships, this type of novella explores the complexities of romantic connections and often features character-driven narratives within a romantic context.
7. Political Novellas: Addressing political themes and power dynamics, this type of novella may use fictional scenarios to comment on real-world political issues and social structures.
8. Fantasy Novellas: Grounded in fantastical settings and magical elements, this type of novella allows for imaginative exploration of otherworldly realms, often featuring mythical creatures and epic quests.
9. Satirical Novellass: Employing humor and irony, this type of novella critiques societal norms, institutions, or individuals, using satire to expose and comment on various aspects of human behavior.
10. Philosophical Novellas: Engaging with profound philosophical questions, this type of novella explores abstract concepts and existential dilemmas, prompting readers to contemplate fundamental aspects of life and existence.

Novella: Top Ten Novellas in British Literature

1. A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens (1843): Though often associated with the holiday season, this novella delves into themes of redemption and social justice. Dickens’ timeless tale of Ebenezer Scrooge’s transformation is a classic.
2. The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson (1886): Stevenson’s exploration of the duality of human nature is a gripping and thought-provoking work. The novella’s impact on literature and popular culture is immense.
3. Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad (1899): Set in the African Congo, Conrad’s novella is a powerful exploration of imperialism and the darkness within the human soul. It remains a significant work in the canon of colonial literature.
4. The Turn of the Screw by Henry James (1898): This ghost story novella has been a subject of much critical debate due to its ambiguous narrative. James’ mastery of psychological tension adds layers of complexity to the tale.
5. Animal Farm by George Orwell (1945): Though longer than the traditional novella, Orwell’s satirical novella-length work is a biting allegory of the Russian Revolution. The characters of farm animals serve as metaphors for political figures.
6. The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka (1915): Originally written in German, Kafka’s novella explores the absurdity of human existence through the protagonist, Gregor Samsa, who wakes up one day transformed into a giant insect.
7. Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck (1937): This poignant novella explores the lives of itinerant workers during the Great Depression. Steinbeck’s exploration of friendship, dreams, and societal challenges is both heart-wrenching and thought-provoking.
8. Mrs Dalloway by Virginia Woolf (1925): Although some might categorize this as a novel, its concise and introspective nature aligns with the novella form. Woolf’s stream-of-consciousness narrative captures a day in the life of Clarissa Dalloway.
9. The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde (1890): Wilde’s only novel, though relatively short, is often considered a novella. It explores the consequences of indulgence and the pursuit of aestheticism through the character of Dorian Gray.
10. The Hound of the Baskervilles by Arthur Conan Doyle (1902): While Sherlock Holmes stories are typically short stories, this particular work is longer and often considered a novella. It’s a masterpiece of detective fiction set against the eerie backdrop of the moors.

These novellas, spanning different genres and themes, showcase the diversity and richness of British literature. They continue to captivate readers with their enduring narratives and thought-provoking themes.

Novella in Literature: Suggested Readings

Literary Works:

1. Conrad, Joseph. Heart of Darkness. Dover Publications, 1990.
2. Kafka, Franz. The Metamorphosis. W. W. Norton & Company, 2015.
3. Stevenson, Robert Louis. The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. Dover Publications, 1991.
4. James, Henry. The Turn of the Screw. Dover Publications, 1991.
5. Orwell, George. Animal Farm. Signet Classics, 1996.
6. Dickens, Charles. A Christmas Carol. Penguin Classics, 2003.
7. Woolf, Virginia. Mrs Dalloway. Harcourt, 1925.
8. Steinbeck, John. Of Mice and Men. Penguin Books, 1993.
9. Doyle, Arthur Conan. The Hound of the Baskervilles. Oxford University Press, 2009.

Theoretical Texts:

1. Booth, Wayne C. The Rhetoric of Fiction. University of Chicago Press, 1983.
2. Genette, Gérard. Narrative Discourse: An Essay in Method. Cornell University Press, 1983.
3. Hutcheon, Linda. A Theory of Adaptation. Routledge, 2006.
4. Prince, Gerald. A Dictionary of Narratology. University of Nebraska Press, 1987.