As mentioned before, Laurence Sterne wrote 'Tristram Shandy' which is often considered an early post - modernist work. His use of narrative techniques that break the traditional mold makes it a precursor to post - modernist novels.
There is some debate about which is the very first modernist novel. However, many consider 'Madame Bovary' by Gustave Flaubert as an early precursor to modernism. Flaubert's detailed and psychological exploration of his characters was quite revolutionary for its time.
F. Scott Fitzgerald is often credited with writing a novel that is highly representative of American modernism, namely 'The Great Gatsby'. His work was at the forefront of a new literary movement in America that broke away from traditional forms of writing.
One of the contenders for the first post - modernist novel is 'Tristram Shandy' by Laurence Sterne. It was published in the 18th century and exhibits many post - modernist traits such as self - reflexivity, a fragmented narrative structure, and a playfulness with the form of the novel. It challenges the traditional linear narrative and the idea of a single, unified meaning in a story.
Don DeLillo is an important figure in post modernist literature. His novel 'White Noise' is a great example of post modernist writing, dealing with consumer culture and the postmodern condition. David Foster Wallace is also well - known. 'Infinite Jest' is a massive work that showcases his post modernist style with its complex narrative structure, footnotes, and exploration of contemporary American culture. And then there's Kathy Acker, whose works often break boundaries and use radical narrative techniques.
One characteristic is the break from traditional narrative structures. It often uses stream - of - consciousness technique, like in 'Ulysses' by James Joyce. This technique allows the reader to get inside the characters' minds in a more direct way.
One main characteristic is the fragmentation of narrative. Post modernist novels often break the traditional linear storytelling. For example, in 'Slaughterhouse - Five' by Kurt Vonnegut, the story jumps around in time, presenting different events from the protagonist's life in a non - sequential way. Another feature is the blurring of boundaries, like between high and low culture. These novels might incorporate elements of pop culture, such as in 'White Noise' by Don DeLillo, which uses consumer culture and media references. Also, there is a self - reflexivity where the text often comments on its own construction or the act of writing itself.
A really good post - modernist novel is 'Gravity's Rainbow' by Thomas Pynchon. It's a complex and often difficult read, with a vast web of characters and plotlines that seem to constantly shift and mutate. 'Midnight's Children' by Salman Rushdie is another top pick. It combines elements of magic realism and post - modernism, with a narrative that is both historical and highly imaginative. Also, 'Beloved' by Toni Morrison can be considered in some ways post - modern. It blurs the boundaries between the real and the supernatural, and its narrative structure is fragmented, which are traits often associated with post - modern literature.
One of the contenders for the first American modernist novel is 'The Great Gatsby' by F. Scott Fitzgerald. It features modernist elements such as a fragmented narrative structure, complex characters, and a critique of the American Dream. The novel's use of symbolism, like the green light, and its exploration of themes like wealth, love, and disillusionment are characteristic of modernist literature.
Another candidate for an early novel could be 'Le Morte d'Arthur' which has elements of a novel in its compilation of Arthurian legends. It was written by Sir Thomas Malory in the 15th century in England. But again, the definition of 'first' can vary depending on different criteria such as narrative structure, length, and fictional elements.
There are many possible answers to this question because the creation of novels involves many different fields and eras. But generally speaking, the earliest novels were from ancient times, such as the ancient Greek epics,"The Iliad" and "The Odysey." These works had a history of thousands of years and were one of the earliest literary works in human history. However, the origin of modern novels can be traced back to the 18th century in Europe. Enlightenment ideologists proposed many new literary theories, advocating rationality, science, and critical thinking. These theories contributed to the development and prosperity of the novel. One of the earliest modern novels was Daniel Defoe's Crusoe. The development of modern novels was also influenced by the cultural movements of the 20th century, such as romanticism, realism, realism, and so on. Among them, the most famous were the Russian works "Crime and Punishment" and "War and Peace", which had a profound impact on the development of modern novels.