Course(9058)Assignment 1 solved Sem: Spring,2024

Course: Classical Novel (9058)                                          Semester: Spring, 2024

Level: BS English/BS English (BA/BSc Based)

ASSIGNMENT No. 1

(Units 1-4)

Q.1      What were the key literary and cultural influences that contributed to the emergence and development of the classical novel as a distinct genre of English literature?

Ans:The classical novel as a distinct genre of English literature emerged and developed through a confluence of various literary and cultural influences. Below is an extended exploration of these key factors:

1. Literary Influences

a. Early Prose Forms

The roots of the classical novel can be traced back to earlier prose forms, including medieval romances, picaresque narratives, and allegorical tales. Medieval romances like Thomas Malory’s Le Morte d’Arthur provided a foundation of long-form storytelling with complex narratives and character development. These tales often focused on heroism, adventure, and moral dilemmas, which would later be adapted into more realistic contexts in novels.

The picaresque narrative, characterized by the episodic adventures of a roguish protagonist, also significantly influenced the novel’s development. Spanish works like Lazarillo de Tormes and English translations of Cervantes’ Don Quixote introduced a form of storytelling that combined satire, realism, and character-driven plots, laying the groundwork for the novel’s structure and thematic focus.

b. The Rise of Realism

The shift from the fantastical elements of medieval literature to the more grounded and realistic portrayal of everyday life was a crucial step in the development of the novel. This transition is often associated with the works of Daniel Defoe and Samuel Richardson. Defoe’s Robinson Crusoe (1719) and Moll Flanders (1722) are considered some of the first examples of the English novel, featuring detailed, realistic narratives that explore the lives of ordinary individuals.

Richardson’s Pamela (1740) and Clarissa (1748) further developed the novel’s focus on realism, with an emphasis on psychological depth and moral dilemmas. The epistolary form used by Richardson allowed for an intimate exploration of characters’ inner thoughts and emotions, which became a defining feature of the classical novel.

c. The Influence of Drama

The rich tradition of English drama, particularly during the Elizabethan and Jacobean periods, also contributed to the novel’s evolution. The works of William Shakespeare and his contemporaries were known for their complex characters, intricate plots, and profound exploration of human nature. This dramatic influence is evident in the novel’s use of dialogue, character development, and thematic exploration. The psychological depth and moral ambiguity found in Shakespearean drama would later be mirrored in the complex characters of novelists like Henry Fielding and Jane Austen.

d. The Essay Tradition

The rise of the essay as a literary form in the 17th and 18th centuries also played a role in shaping the novel. Writers like Francis Bacon and later Joseph Addison and Richard Steele, through their periodicals The Tatler and The Spectator, contributed to the development of a literate public interested in reflective, analytical prose. The essay form’s focus on individual experience, moral reflection, and social commentary provided a model for the novel’s exploration of similar themes in a more extended narrative format.

2. Cultural Influences

a. The Rise of the Middle Class

The rise of the middle class in 18th-century England created a new readership with distinct tastes and interests. This emerging class was increasingly literate and sought entertainment and education through literature that reflected their own experiences and values. The novel, with its focus on individualism, personal morality, and social mobility, resonated with middle-class readers who were navigating the complexities of a rapidly changing society.

This new audience also demanded more accessible literature, leading to the novel’s emphasis on clarity, realism, and relatable characters. Authors like Henry Fielding and Samuel Richardson tailored their works to appeal to this growing readership, addressing contemporary social issues and moral concerns.

b. The Impact of the Printing Press

The technological advancements in printing during the 17th and 18th centuries made books more widely available and affordable. The printing press facilitated the mass production of literature, including novels, which allowed for a broader dissemination of ideas and narratives. The growth of circulating libraries also made novels accessible to a wider audience, further contributing to the genre’s popularity.

The commercial success of early novels demonstrated the profitability of catering to public taste, encouraging more writers to produce works in this new genre. The novel became a vehicle for social commentary and entertainment, reflecting and shaping public opinion.

c. The Influence of Enlightenment Thought

The Enlightenment, with its emphasis on reason, individualism, and empirical knowledge, significantly influenced the content and themes of early novels. The intellectual climate of the time encouraged a focus on rationality, moral improvement, and the exploration of human nature, all of which became central concerns of the novel.

Novels began to explore the complexities of human psychology, social dynamics, and moral choices in a way that was informed by Enlightenment ideals. For example, the works of Henry Fielding, such as Tom Jones (1749), often included satirical critiques of society and explored the tension between individual desires and social expectations.

d. The Role of Women Writers and Readers

Women played a crucial role in the development of the novel, both as writers and readers. The novel was one of the first literary forms where women could achieve commercial and critical success. Writers like Aphra Behn, Frances Burney, and later Jane Austen, brought a unique perspective to the genre, often focusing on domestic life, social relationships, and the inner lives of women.

These novels provided an alternative to the male-dominated literary traditions of the time, offering narratives that resonated with female readers and addressed issues relevant to their lives. The growing influence of women in the literary market helped shape the novel’s thematic concerns and narrative styles.

3. Philosophical and Social Context

a. Moral and Didactic Purposes

Early novels were often seen as tools for moral and social instruction. The didactic element in novels was meant to guide readers towards virtuous behavior, in line with the moral expectations of the time. This is evident in the works of Samuel Richardson, where the emphasis is on moral rectitude and the consequences of vice.

The novel became a space for exploring ethical dilemmas, social justice, and the tension between individual freedom and social responsibility. These themes reflected broader philosophical debates of the period, influenced by Enlightenment thinkers and their concerns with morality and human rights.

b. The Evolution of Narrative Techniques

The classical novel also evolved through experimentation with narrative techniques. The use of first-person narration, free indirect discourse, and the epistolary form allowed for more intimate and nuanced portrayals of characters and their inner lives. This evolution in narrative style was influenced by contemporary philosophical ideas about subjectivity, consciousness, and the nature of reality.

The novel’s ability to represent multiple perspectives and to delve deeply into the psychological motivations of characters set it apart from earlier literary forms. This complexity of narrative structure and character development became defining features of the classical novel, as seen in the works of authors like Jane Austen and the Brontë sisters.

Conclusion

The emergence and development of the classical novel in English literature were shaped by a rich tapestry of literary and cultural influences. From the evolution of earlier prose forms and the impact of drama and the essay tradition, to the social and philosophical currents of the time, the novel emerged as a distinct and enduring genre. It reflected the complexities of modern life and the changing values of society, offering readers a new way to engage with the world and with literature. The novel’s rise to prominence was marked by its ability to adapt to the tastes and concerns of a broadening readership, making it one of the most influential forms of literary expression in the modern era.

Q.2      Discuss common narrative techniques employed in a classical novel and how do these techniques contribute to the overall development of the plot?

Ans: In classical novels, authors employ a variety of narrative techniques that contribute to the overall development of the plot and the depth of the characters. These techniques help shape the reader’s understanding of the story, influence the pacing, and create layers of meaning within the text. Below is a discussion of some common narrative techniques and their impact on plot development:

1. Third-Person Omniscient Narration

• Description: In this narrative technique, the narrator is all-knowing and has access to the thoughts, feelings, and experiences of all the characters. The narrator can move freely across time and space within the story.
• Contribution to Plot: This technique allows the author to present a comprehensive view of the story’s events and characters. It helps in building a complex, multi-dimensional narrative where the reader can understand the motivations and inner workings of different characters. For example, in Leo Tolstoy’s War and Peace, the omniscient narration allows the reader to see the grand sweep of historical events while also delving deeply into the personal lives of the characters.

2. Third-Person Limited Narration

• Description: The narrator tells the story from the perspective of one character, limiting the information to what that character knows, thinks, and perceives.
• Contribution to Plot: This technique creates a closer connection between the reader and the protagonist, offering a more focused and intimate view of the story. It also allows for suspense and dramatic irony, as the reader only knows what the chosen character knows, and may be surprised by plot twists. For example, in Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, the third-person limited narration closely follows Elizabeth Bennet, allowing readers to experience her misunderstandings and gradual realizations alongside her.

3. First-Person Narration

• Description: The story is narrated by a character within the story, using “I” or “we,” offering a personal perspective.
• Contribution to Plot: First-person narration provides a deep insight into the narrator’s thoughts and feelings, creating a strong sense of voice and personality. This technique can enhance the reader’s emotional engagement and create a sense of immediacy. However, it also introduces a subjective and potentially unreliable viewpoint, adding complexity to the interpretation of events. In Charlotte Brontë’s Jane Eyre, the first-person narrative allows readers to experience Jane’s emotional journey and moral struggles directly from her perspective.

4. Stream of Consciousness

• Description: This technique attempts to capture the flow of thoughts, feelings, and memories passing through a character’s mind, often in a disjointed or fragmented manner.
• Contribution to Plot: Stream of consciousness allows readers to experience the inner workings of a character’s mind in real-time, often revealing their subconscious thoughts and feelings. This can create a sense of intimacy and depth, as the reader is given direct access to the character’s psyche. In James Joyce’s Ulysses, this technique is used to explore the complexities of human consciousness, contributing to the novel’s rich, layered narrative.

5. Epistolary Form

• Description: The story is told through letters, diary entries, or other forms of written communication between characters.
• Contribution to Plot: The epistolary form allows the plot to unfold through multiple perspectives, as different characters provide their accounts of events. This technique can create a sense of realism and immediacy, as the reader encounters the story as a series of personal documents. It also allows for dramatic tension, as the reader gains insights into the characters’ private thoughts and secrets. Samuel Richardson’s Pamela and Clarissa are classic examples where the epistolary form adds layers of complexity and emotional depth to the narrative.

6. Free Indirect Discourse

• Description: This technique blends the third-person narrative voice with the thoughts and speech of a character, often without clear demarcation between the narrator’s voice and the character’s thoughts.
• Contribution to Plot: Free indirect discourse allows for a more fluid and subtle exploration of a character’s inner life. It can provide insight into a character’s thoughts while maintaining the flexibility of a third-person perspective. This technique can deepen the psychological realism of the novel and allow the reader to see the world through the character’s eyes without breaking the narrative flow. Jane Austen frequently uses free indirect discourse, as in Emma, where the technique subtly reveals Emma’s biases and misconceptions.

7. Multiple Perspectives

• Description: The narrative is presented through the viewpoints of multiple characters, often switching between them to provide a more rounded understanding of the story.
• Contribution to Plot: This technique allows the reader to see events from different angles, providing a more comprehensive and multi-faceted view of the plot. It can also create suspense, as the reader gains information from one character that others may not have. William Faulkner’s The Sound and the Fury is a notable example, where the use of multiple perspectives adds depth to the portrayal of the Compson family’s disintegration.

8. Retrospective Narration

• Description: The narrator looks back on past events, often from a vantage point of greater wisdom or understanding.
• Contribution to Plot: Retrospective narration can create a sense of reflection and analysis, as the narrator interprets and makes sense of past experiences. This technique can add layers of meaning to the plot, as the reader is invited to consider the events in light of the narrator’s later insights. Charles Dickens’ Great Expectations uses retrospective narration, where the adult Pip recounts his life story, offering both the immediacy of events and the reflective wisdom of hindsight.

Conclusion

The narrative techniques employed in classical novels are crucial in shaping the plot, developing characters, and creating the overall atmosphere of the story. These techniques allow authors to guide the reader’s experience, control the flow of information, and explore complex themes in depth. By using a combination of these techniques, classical novelists were able to craft intricate and engaging narratives that continue to resonate with readers today.

Q.3   How does a classical novel typically utilize themes such as love, social class. morality and identity to convey universal truths about human experience? Provide suitable references from the classical novels included in your course as core texts.    

Ans:               Classical novels often utilize themes such as love, social class, morality, and identity to explore universal truths about the human experience. These themes serve as vehicles for authors to examine the complexities of human nature, societal structures, and ethical dilemmas, making the stories relevant across different times and cultures. Below is an exploration of how these themes are employed in classical novels, with references to core texts that exemplify their use.

1. Love

• Theme Exploration: Love in classical novels is often portrayed in its various forms—romantic, familial, platonic, and unrequited. It is used to explore the nature of human relationships, the challenges of emotional connections, and the societal constraints on personal desires.
• Examples:
  • Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice: Love is central to the novel, particularly in the relationship between Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy. The novel explores how love can overcome social prejudices and personal misunderstandings. The gradual evolution of Elizabeth and Darcy’s feelings highlights the importance of mutual respect and understanding in romantic relationships.
  • Charlotte Brontë’s Jane Eyre: The novel presents love as a powerful force that can transcend social barriers and personal hardships. Jane’s relationship with Mr. Rochester is marked by emotional intensity and moral challenges, illustrating the idea that true love requires equality, integrity, and self-respect.

2. Social Class

• Theme Exploration: Social class is a pervasive theme in classical novels, often used to critique the rigid class structures of the time. These novels explore how class affects individuals’ opportunities, relationships, and sense of identity.
• Examples:
  • Charles Dickens’ Great Expectations: The novel examines the influence of social class on the protagonist, Pip, who aspires to rise above his humble beginnings. Dickens critiques the class system by showing how wealth and status can corrupt personal values and relationships, ultimately suggesting that true gentility is a matter of character rather than social position.
  • Emily Brontë’s Wuthering Heights: The novel explores the destructive effects of class divisions on the characters’ lives. Heathcliff’s desire to transcend his lower-class origins fuels his obsession and vengeance, leading to a cycle of misery and conflict. The novel suggests that class resentment and social ambition can distort human relationships and lead to moral degradation.

3. Morality

• Theme Exploration: Morality in classical novels often revolves around the conflict between personal desires and ethical principles. Authors use their characters’ moral dilemmas to explore broader questions about virtue, justice, and the consequences of moral choices.
• Examples:
  • Leo Tolstoy’s Anna Karenina: The novel presents a complex exploration of morality, particularly through Anna’s adulterous affair with Vronsky. Tolstoy delves into the societal and personal consequences of moral transgressions, contrasting Anna’s tragic fate with the more conventional, morally upright life of characters like Levin. The novel suggests that the violation of social and moral codes can lead to personal ruin and societal ostracism.
  • Nathaniel Hawthorne’s The Scarlet Letter: The novel is a profound exploration of sin, guilt, and redemption. Hester Prynne’s punishment for adultery exposes the harsh moral judgments of Puritan society, while the secret guilt of Reverend Dimmesdale highlights the inner torment caused by unconfessed sin. Hawthorne uses these characters to question the nature of moral righteousness and the possibility of forgiveness and redemption.

4. Identity

• Theme Exploration: Identity in classical novels is often linked to the characters’ struggles to define themselves within or against societal expectations. These novels explore how personal identity is shaped by factors such as social class, gender, and personal experiences.
• Examples:
  • Mark Twain’s Adventures of Huckleberry Finn: Huck’s journey is not only a physical one but also an exploration of identity. Huck grapples with his own moral beliefs, shaped by a society that condones slavery, and ultimately decides to forge his own path, rejecting the social norms that conflict with his sense of justice and friendship. The novel examines the formation of identity in the face of societal pressures and moral dilemmas.
  • Charlotte Brontë’s Jane Eyre: Jane’s quest for identity is central to the novel. From her early experiences as an orphaned child to her challenges as a governess and her relationship with Mr. Rochester, Jane strives to assert her independence and integrity. The novel explores how identity is formed through personal resilience and moral conviction, even in the face of societal and gender constraints.

Conclusion

Classical novels utilize themes such as love, social class, morality, and identity to delve into the universal aspects of the human experience. These themes are woven into the narratives in ways that challenge characters, provoke reflection, and reveal deeper truths about society and individual nature. Through the exploration of these themes, classical novels offer insights into the timeless struggles and aspirations of humanity, making them enduring works of literature that continue to resonate with readers today.

  Q.4      Analyze the character of Joseph Andrew and how does his character represent Fielding’s ideals of virtue and resilience? Quote suitable textual evidence to support your arguments.        

ANS:       In Henry Fielding’s novel Joseph Andrews, the protagonist, Joseph Andrews, embodies Fielding’s ideals of virtue and resilience. As a character, Joseph is portrayed as morally upright, steadfast in his principles, and resilient in the face of adversity. His character serves as a vehicle for Fielding to critique societal hypocrisy and to promote a model of virtuous behavior grounded in Christian ethics.

1. Virtue

• Moral Integrity: Joseph Andrews is depicted as a paragon of virtue from the outset. He consistently resists temptations and maintains his moral integrity, even when faced with difficult situations. For example, when Lady Booby attempts to seduce him, Joseph firmly rejects her advances, despite the potential benefits of acquiescing to someone of her status:“Your ladyship was pleased to say you hoped you had not offended me, and you have asked my pardon. You must be sensible it is out of my power to refuse it. But as for my virtue, which you are pleased to mention, I hope I shall preserve it against all temptations.” (Book I, Chapter VI)
• Chastity and Loyalty: Joseph’s virtue is also evident in his commitment to chastity and his loyalty to his beloved Fanny Goodwill. Throughout the novel, Joseph remains steadfast in his love for Fanny, refusing to betray her trust even when he is separated from her and faced with temptations. His chastity is a defining trait, representing the purity and moral fortitude that Fielding admires:”He answered, ‘I hope, madam, your ladyship will not insist on my explaining myself further; and let it suffice, that my thoughts are incapable of a sin which I abhor.'” (Book I, Chapter VI)

2. Resilience

• Endurance in Adversity: Joseph’s resilience is tested through various hardships and trials he encounters on his journey. He faces physical attacks, robbery, and even the threat of death, yet he never loses his faith or his resolve. His ability to endure suffering with grace is a testament to his inner strength:”Joseph now entered the room, almost covered with blood, and, in so dismal a condition, that it is no wonder if both the good people were greatly shocked at the first sight. But as their surprise abated, and they began to be able to speak, Parson Adams, being the first who recovered himself, after a short silence, exclaimed in the following words: ‘Joseph, art thou still alive?'” (Book I, Chapter XV)
• Moral Resilience: Despite the corruption and hypocrisy of the society around him, Joseph never wavers in his commitment to his principles. His resilience is not just physical but also moral and spiritual. This resilience is crucial to Fielding’s portrayal of Joseph as an idealized character who stands firm against the moral decay of the world:”Joseph said, ‘He could not bear to think of leaving Fanny; neither could he bear to think of his unkindness, who, whatever kindness he might have formerly shown, had now behaved to him in so cruel and barbarous a manner.'” (Book IV, Chapter II)

3. Fielding’s Ideals of Virtue and Resilience

• Christian Virtue: Fielding uses Joseph’s character to illustrate the Christian virtues of charity, patience, and humility. Joseph’s actions consistently reflect a concern for others, a willingness to forgive, and an acceptance of his fate, all of which align with Fielding’s ideal of a virtuous Christian life.
• Critique of Social Hypocrisy: Through Joseph’s encounters with various characters who embody greed, lust, and hypocrisy, Fielding contrasts Joseph’s virtue and resilience with the moral failings of others. Characters like Lady Booby and Parson Trulliber represent the vices that Joseph must navigate, and his success in maintaining his integrity despite their influence underscores Fielding’s critique of a society that often rewards vice over virtue.

Conclusion

Joseph Andrews serves as a model of Fielding’s ideals of virtue and resilience. Through his unwavering moral integrity and his ability to endure hardships without losing faith or compromising his values, Joseph represents the kind of moral fortitude that Fielding believed was essential in the face of a corrupt and hypocritical society. Fielding uses Joseph’s character not only to entertain but also to instruct, offering readers an exemplar of how to live a virtuous life amidst the challenges of the world.

   Q.5      Discuss the role of satire and irony in the novel ‘Pride and Prejudice’. How does Austen employ these literary devices to expose the follies of her characters and society she portrays in her novel?

Ans:In Pride and Prejudice, Jane Austen masterfully employs satire and irony to expose the follies, hypocrisies, and absurdities of both her characters and the society in which they live. These literary devices serve not only to entertain but also to critique the social norms and values of early 19th-century England, particularly in terms of marriage, class, and gender roles.

1. Satire in Pride and Prejudice

• Marriage and Social Expectations:
  • Austen satirizes the institution of marriage and the societal pressures surrounding it, highlighting the often mercenary and pragmatic reasons behind marriage rather than romantic love. Characters like Mrs. Bennet, who is obsessed with marrying off her daughters, are portrayed in a ridiculous light, emphasizing the absurdity of viewing marriage solely as a means of social and financial advancement.
  • Mr. Collins is another satirical figure representing the absurdity of marrying for convenience and social propriety. His proposal to Elizabeth Bennet is ludicrous, as he is more concerned with fulfilling his duty and pleasing Lady Catherine de Bourgh than with any genuine affection for Elizabeth:”My reasons for marrying are, first, that I think it a right thing for every clergyman in easy circumstances (like myself) to set the example of matrimony in his parish. Secondly, that I am convinced it will add very greatly to my happiness; and thirdly – which perhaps I ought to have mentioned earlier, that it is the particular advice and recommendation of the very noble lady whom I have the honour of calling patroness.” (Chapter 19)
• Class and Social Status:
  • Austen satirizes the rigid class distinctions and snobbery of her time, particularly through characters like Lady Catherine de Bourgh and Mr. Darcy (in the early part of the novel). Lady Catherine, with her domineering and condescending attitude, embodies the absurdity of the aristocracy’s belief in their inherent superiority:”Lady Catherine was reckoned proud by many people he knew, but he had never seen anything but affability in her.” (Chapter 16)
  • Through Elizabeth Bennet’s sharp wit and refusal to be intimidated by these social hierarchies, Austen critiques the idea that class should determine a person’s worth or happiness.

2. Irony in Pride and Prejudice

• Verbal Irony:
  • Verbal irony is frequently used by Austen to highlight the disconnect between characters’ words and their true intentions or the reality of their situations. One of the most famous examples is the opening line of the novel:”It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.” (Chapter 1)
  • This statement, seemingly straightforward, is actually an ironic comment on society’s assumption that wealthy men are always seeking wives, when in fact it is often the families with unmarried daughters who are eagerly seeking wealthy husbands.
• Dramatic Irony:
  • Dramatic irony occurs when the audience knows more than the characters, creating a sense of irony and often humor. In Pride and Prejudice, readers are aware of Mr. Darcy’s growing affection for Elizabeth long before she is, which adds layers of meaning to their interactions.
  • Elizabeth’s initial misjudgment of Darcy and her prejudice against him, based on his aloofness and Wickham’s deceitful accounts, are central to the novel’s ironic structure. The irony in her prejudice is revealed as she comes to understand Darcy’s true character, and her own pride is exposed:”She had been blind, partial, prejudiced, absurd.” (Chapter 36)
• Situational Irony:
  • Situational irony in the novel arises when events turn out differently from what characters (or readers) might expect. An example is Mr. Darcy’s first proposal to Elizabeth, where, despite his expectations of acceptance, he is shocked by her vehement rejection. This situation not only reveals the irony in his assumption of superiority but also sets the stage for his character development.

3. Exposing the Follies of Characters and Society

• Folly of Pride and Prejudice:
  • The title itself highlights the central irony and satire of the novel, as characters who are proud and prejudiced—like Elizabeth and Darcy—are shown to be flawed in their judgments. Through their personal growth and eventual self-awareness, Austen critiques the dangers of letting pride and prejudice cloud one’s judgment.
• Critique of Gender Inequality:
  • Austen subtly satirizes the limited roles available to women in her society, particularly through characters like Charlotte Lucas, who marries Mr. Collins not for love but for financial security and social stability. This marriage is depicted as a pragmatic but unfulfilling arrangement, highlighting the lack of options for women:”Without thinking highly either of men or matrimony, marriage had always been her object; it was the only honourable provision for well-educated young women of small fortune, and however uncertain of giving happiness, must be their pleasantest preservative from want.” (Chapter 22)
• Social Hypocrisy:
  • Austen uses satire and irony to expose the hypocrisy of social norms, especially in the way characters like Mr. Collins and Lady Catherine de Bourgh adhere to social propriety while lacking genuine morality or kindness. This critique extends to the shallow nature of social interactions, where appearances and status are often valued over substance.

Conclusion

Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice is a rich tapestry of satire and irony that serves to expose the follies and absurdities of both her characters and the society in which they live. By using these literary devices, Austen not only entertains her readers but also offers a critique of the social norms, gender roles, and class structures of her time. Through her sharp wit and keen insight, Austen reveals the universal truths about human nature and society that continue to resonate with readers today.