History of Novel

The novel, a literary form tracing back to ancient times, evolved into its modern structure over centuries. Early novels like “Don Quixote” (1605) by Cervantes and “Robinson Crusoe” (1719) by Defoe marked the genre’s emergence. The 18th century witnessed the rise of realism and sentimentalism, seen in works like “Pamela” (1740) by Richardson. The 19th century brought masterpieces like Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice” (1813) and Dickens’s “Great Expectations” (1861), exploring societal changes and human experiences. The late 19th to early 20th centuries birthed various movements—realism, naturalism, and symbolism—seen in Tolstoy’s “Anna Karenina” (1877) and Proust’s “In Search of Lost Time” (1913-1927). The 20th century showcased experimentation, from Joyce’s “Ulysses” (1922) to the postmodern narratives of Pynchon’s “Gravity’s Rainbow” (1973). Themes diversified, tackling identity, politics, and psychology, as seen in Morrison’s “Beloved” (1987) and Rushdie’s “Midnight’s Children” (1981). Contemporary novels like Murakami’s “Norwegian Wood” (1987) and Adichie’s “Half of a Yellow Sun” (2006) continue this diversity. The novel’s journey encompasses cultural, social, and stylistic shifts, reflecting the human experience through ever-changing narratives.