1. Literature in England in the 18th century
The Rise of the Novel
Literature in England in the 18th century

2. Origins
First novel was written in the early 17th century: Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes
Romance is a literary genre which is often associated with the novel, but it tends to include events that are “marvelous and uncommon.”
Novels of the 18th century tended to be more realistic and set in a modern society.
They explored important issues related to class, gender and politics which were prevalent in the 18th century.

7. Early Reception Considered “inferior” by critics
People worried that novels would have a negative effect on its readers, especially female readers.
Female readers were believed to be more susceptible to its influence.

8. Daniel Defoe’s Moll Flanders
Heroine and narrator is a female
She describes her experiences as a thief, prostitute and incestuous wife – but from the perspective of a reformed person.
“Let the experience of one creature completely wicked, and completely miserable, be a storehouse of useful warning to those that read.”
The novel comments on conditions of the poor, the jails, and the suffering of emigrants.

9. Daniel Defoe’s Robinson Crusoe
Hero is shipwrecked on an island for 28 years.
enduring myth of survival
Crusoe becomes a coloniser who reaches financial security through his investments.
Crusoe never questions himself and assists in the conversion of natives.

10. Samuel Richardson’s Pamela
Richardson worked his way out of poverty
Published an epistolary novel, Pamela, in 1740
The poor but virtuous heroine, Pamela, suffers a series of trials, including an attempted rape, at the hands of Mr. B.
She refuses to be his mistress but eventually reforms him and marries him.
The male is depicted as provider and master while the female is depicted as victim who must preserve her virtue.

11. What are the major themes and character types of 18th century novels?
Look at the novels distributed in class. Read the descriptions on the back cover.