Novels

Different types of novels

novels

From the Rise to the Victorian age

Frankenstein

The rise of the novel

Romanticism

Oliver Twist

Pride and Prejudice

800'-Gothic novel

The Victorian novel

Wuthering Heights

Jane Austen

Jane Austen, born in 1775 in Hampshire, England, is renowned for her astute portrayal of the manners, morals, and social conventions of the British landed gentry in the early 19th century. Despite publishing her works anonymously during her lifetime, Austen's novels have since garnered widespread acclaim for their wit, realism, and timeless themes.

Romanticism

Romanticism is an artistic and cultural movement that originated in the late 18th century in Europe and reached its peak in the 19th century. Its main characteristics include an important emphasis on emotion, individuality and creative freedom, as well as the valorization of nature, the sublime and the supernatural. Romantic artists often explored themes such as love, passion, idealism, nostalgia, and the desire for freedom.

Another important characteristic of Romanticism is the valorization of the past, both through an interest in previous historical eras and through the revaluation of folklore and popular traditions. Furthermore, the movement often encouraged critical reflection on modernity and industrialization, highlighting the contrast between nature and urbanized society.

The 19th century

The 19th century was a transformative period for England, marked by significant political, social, economic changes, with also the innovation in literature

The Victorian novel

“The Victorian novel in English refers to the period of English literature roughly from the mid-19th century to the end of the 19th century, during the reign of Queen Victoria (1837-1901). This period is characterized by a vast production of novels reflecting the social, political, and economic transformations of the time, as well as the moral and ethical concerns of the Victorian middle class. Victorian novels span various genres and styles, including works by authors such as Charles Dickens, Charlotte Brontë, Emily Brontë, Jane Austen, Thomas Hardy, and many others. These novels address themes such as poverty, industrialization, social justice, love, and morality, often offering a critical analysis of Victorian society.” The Victorian period in England was a time of significant growth and change, both in society and literature. Victorian novels reflect this complexity through their intricate plots, vivid characters, and profound themes.

Charles Dickens

Charles Dickens, born on February 7, 1812, in Portsmouth, England, is considered one of the greatest Victorian novelists. His works, like "A Tale of Two Cities" and "Great Expectations," have had a lasting impact on literature. Dickens skillfully portrayed the social injustices of his time, championing the working class. His vivid characters and social commentary made him a beloved writer and advocate for social reform.

The Rise of the novel

In the 18th century, novels surged in popularity as a form of entertainment and social commentary due to cultural and material factors. The expansion of the middle class and technological advancements in printing made books more accessible. Novels, with their simple, factual style, appealed to middle-class readers who sought realistic portrayals of society. Professional novelists pioneered the genre, exploring themes such as virtue, class, and gender roles. Various novel subgenres emerged, including the picaresque, epistolary, utopian, and gothic novels, each reflecting the social and cultural milieu of the time.

Mary Shelley

Mary Shelley, born on August 30, 1797, was an English novelist best known for her Gothic novel "Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus," published in 1818. She was the daughter of Mary Wollstonecraft, a feminist writer, and William Godwin, a political philosopher. Shelley's life was marked by personal and literary challenges. She eloped with the poet Percy Bysshe Shelley at the age of 16. Tragedy struck her life when she experienced the deaths of several children and her husband. Her contributions to literature have left a lasting impact, and she is remembered as a pioneering figure in the Gothic and science fiction genres. Mary Shelley passed away on February 1, 1851.

The Bronte sisters

The famous Bronte sisters (CHARLOTTE, EMILY, ANNE), are three of five daughters of an Anglican clergyman who was appointed as the rector of the village of Haworth, on the Yorkshire moors. After the death of their mother in 1821, their Aunt Elizabeth came to look after the family. Charlotte was born on 21 April 1816, Emily on 30 July 1818 and Anne on 17 January 1820 all in Thornton, Yorkshire. In 1824, 4 of the 5 girls went to school, but there the two eldest (Maria and Elizabeth) died for tuberculosis, so Charlotte and Emily came back home. They continued studying unmethodically and started writing novels and poems with lots of imagination.