The eighteenth - century British novel was marked by a variety of things. There was a growing sense of realism. Authors like Henry Fielding in 'Tom Jones' presented a vivid picture of English country life and the follies and virtues of the people. Satire was also a key element. Writers used humor and exaggeration to criticize the society of the time, be it the political system or the manners of the upper classes. The language used was evolving, becoming more accessible and closer to the spoken language of the day.
The eighteenth - century British novels are rich in themes. For example, 'Robinson Crusoe' is about survival and self - reliance. It shows how a man can endure on a deserted island through his own efforts. Another important aspect is the social satire in some novels. Writers often used the form of novels to comment on the social problems at that time, like the class differences and moral decay in the upper class.
Well, eighteenth - century novels typically had a certain style of language. It was more formal compared to modern novels but still accessible. The settings were often based on real - life locations of the time. They might be in big cities like London or in the English countryside. These novels also frequently dealt with themes of love, marriage, and family, but in the context of the social and cultural norms of the eighteenth century.
Samuel Richardson was a major figure as well. His 'Pamela' was very popular at the time. It explored themes such as female virtue and class differences. These authors all made important contributions to the development of the eighteenth - century British novel, each with their own unique writing styles and thematic focuses.
Prominent authors of the eighteenth - century British novel include Daniel Defoe. His story of Robinson Crusoe was revolutionary in terms of the narrative of a man alone in nature. Henry Fielding was a great satirist. His 'Tom Jones' was a masterpiece that explored the human condition and society in a very engaging way. Samuel Richardson, with 'Pamela', was able to bring to life the story of a young woman's experiences in a way that was both relatable and thought - provoking. Additionally, Laurence Sterne with 'Tristram Shandy' was also an important figure in this period, with his unique and experimental narrative style.
Well, eighteenth - century novels often had elaborate and detailed descriptions. This was to set the scene and make the story more immersive. They also tended to follow a more linear narrative structure compared to some of the more experimental forms we see today. Many of them were written in a rather formal style, with a wide vocabulary that was reflective of the educated classes at the time. And, of course, they were influenced by the cultural and social values of the eighteenth century, such as propriety and the importance of family.
Well, eighteenth - century fiction often had a moral or didactic purpose. Writers used their stories to teach lessons about virtue, vice, and proper behavior. For example, Samuel Richardson's 'Pamela' was partly about a young woman's moral struggle. Also, the language was becoming more refined and accessible to a wider range of readers.
One characteristic is the exploration of new scientific ideas in a fictional context. For example, early ideas about space travel were often explored. Writers would imagine what it might be like to journey to the moon or other planets, which was quite revolutionary at that time as real - world space exploration was far in the future. Another aspect was the use of fictional technology to comment on society. It could be a device that made people more equal or unequal, showing the concerns and hopes of the society regarding technological progress.
They often feature elaborate courtship. The heroes and heroines are typically from different social classes, which adds to the drama. For example, in some novels, a nobleman might fall in love with a commoner girl. The settings are usually grand, like large estates or bustling cities of the eighteenth century.
These novels also started to explore social issues more deeply. They sometimes criticized the social inequality and the vices of the upper class. Writers used their works to comment on things like the marriage system and the gap between the rich and the poor.
Some eighteenth - century French novels often had a focus on the social hierarchies of the time. For example, they might depict the lives of the aristocracy and the emerging middle class. They also frequently explored themes of love and morality within the context of the strict social norms of the era.