Types of Novel (Epistolary Novel).

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Epistolary Novel.

A novel written as a sequence of letters between fictional characters is known as an epistolary novel. The epistolary novel developed during the 18th century. It remained a popular method of fictional narrative for much of the 19th century and has regained popularity in the 21^st century. An epistolary novel can be told through letters, documents, journals, memoirs, diary entries, newspaper articles, notes, transcripts – in other words, it is told via any written form of communication. There may be dialogue and action in these communications, but these will tend to be described from the first person only. The reader is included in an intimate discourse that can allow them to see into the character's innermost thoughts or perspectives. The word epistolary is derived from Latin from the Greek word  epistolē, meaning a letter. This type of fiction is also sometimes known by the German term Briefroman or more generally as epistolary fiction.. The story of the Epistolary novel progresses through the exchange of letters between the main character and others. The epistolary novel can be traced back to ancient times, For Ex. 'The Works of Ovid' contains embedded letters or journals. Aphra Behn plays with the epistolary form in her 'Love Letters Between a Nobleman and his Sister (1684-1687)'. 

Samuel Richardson's 'Pamela (1740)' and 'Clarissa (1747)', as well as Fanny Bumey's 'Evelina (1778)' are the epistolary form novels. Jane Austen also used the epistolary technique, especially in her early works, including 'Lady Susan' and 'Mansfield Park'.

Characteristics of Epistolary Novels.

1.  First-person perspective: The epistolary book is frequently written in the first person. This helps the reader understand the character's feelings and ideas. One of the most famous examples is Anne Frank's "Diary of a Young Girl." The reader receives an in depth and authentic impression of how Jewish people in Europe suffered under Nazi authority through the daily diaries of a young girl in Amsterdam.

 

2. Personal Documents : Personal documents, such as letters, diaries, and newspaper clippings, are frequently employed in the epistolary book to actually tell the plot. For example, Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein" uses the main characters' letters to convey their feelings and experiences, as well as newspaper extracts to show how their actions are perceived by others.

 

3.  Exploration of many perspectives: Because each character writes their own letter, the epistolary novel allows for the investigation of multiple perspectives on the same action or circumstance. As an example, Alice Walker's "The Colour Purple" is written in the form of letters and diary entries between the two key characters, Celie and Nettie, allowing the reader to examine their differing perspectives on their shared experiences.

 

 

4.  Culture and Society: Because characters frequently offer remarks about their environment in their letters and other writings, epistolary novels can be used to analyse more general concerns of society and culture. The epistolary genre is used by both Samuel Richardson's "Pamela, or Virtue Rewarded" and Pierre Choderlos de Laclos' "Dangerous Liaisons" to remark on social norms and standards of their respective eras.

Some Examples of Epistolary Novel.

•  Pamela; or, Virtue Rewarded(1740) by Samuel Richardson.
•  The Sorrows of Young Werther (1774 by Johann Wolfgang Goethe.
•  Poor Folk (1846) by Fyodor Dostoevsky.
• The Moonstone (1868) by Wilkie Collins.
• The Color Purple (1982) by Alice Walker.
• The Tiger (2008) by Aravind Adiga.