Key points about the novel


The novel is a "genre."

Daniel Defoe's Robinson Crusoe published in 1719.

The 18th Century was proud of humankind's achievements.

It is a genre that looks at society and the people within society.

Move away from religious view of the world towards a secular view of the world.

Novels tell a story.

They often present characters at odds with society.

Young people are at the centre of many novels - they tend to be more rebellious than older people.

Charles Dickens (19th C.) wrote with a social purpose in mind.

Sometimes the story is used to make a point.

Position of the "Narrator" is important.

Omniscient narrator.

Unintrusive narrator.

First person narrator.

Intrusive narrator.

Unreliable narrator.

The importance of "character' in novels - the novel is a lengthy genre and therefore can go into greater detail.

The importance of "narrative structure" in novels.  This is the way that the novel is told; the sequence of events; the
order in which information is released to us.

Realistic Novels:  Seek to present ordinary life as it is

Historical Novels: Seek to fictionalise historical events or episodes.

Social Novels:  These are concerned about the plight of society and often seek to change the way things are.

Naturalistic Novels:  These emphasise the importance of the environment in shaping human character. 

Adventure and Detective Novels:  These focus on the excitement or "thrill" of the story line.

Psychological Novels:  Seek to explore character, motives and relationships in great detail.





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