Michael Mckeon Origins of the English Novel Summary , Themes, Novel and Character Analysis

 "The Origins of the English Novel" is a book written by Michael McKeon, which examines the development of the English novel during the 18th century. The book explores the historical, social, and cultural factors that contributed to the rise of the novel as a literary form in England.

McKeon argues that the novel emerged as a new and distinct literary genre in response to the social and cultural changes that took place in England during the 18th century. These changes included the rise of the middle class, the growth of commercialism and consumer culture, and the spread of literacy and print culture.

According to McKeon, the novel was uniquely suited to represent and explore the experiences of this emerging middle class. Unlike other literary forms, such as poetry or drama, the novel was able to depict the everyday lives and experiences of ordinary people, and to offer a critique of social norms and institutions.

McKeon also examines the formal characteristics of the novel that contributed to its success as a literary form. He argues that the novel's use of realism, its emphasis on character development and psychological complexity, and its ability to create a sense of narrative continuity and coherence all contributed to its popularity and enduring appeal.

Overall, McKeon's book provides a comprehensive and insightful analysis of the origins and development of the English novel, and sheds light on the broader social and cultural forces that shaped this important literary form.

 Themes

The main theme of Michael McKeon's "The Origins of the English Novel" is the emergence and development of the English novel as a distinct literary form during the 18th century. McKeon explores the historical, social, and cultural factors that contributed to the rise of the novel and argues that it was uniquely suited to represent and explore the experiences of the emerging middle class in England.

Another key theme in the book is the formal characteristics of the novel that contributed to its success and enduring appeal. McKeon examines the use of realism, character development, psychological complexity, and narrative continuity in the novel, and how these features made it a compelling and relatable form of literature.

In addition, McKeon's book also touches on broader themes related to social and cultural change in England during the 18th century, such as the growth of commercialism and consumer culture, the spread of literacy and print culture, and the changing roles of women in society.

Overall, the themes in "The Origins of the English Novel" are interconnected and highlight the complex relationship between literature and society, as well as the ways in which literary forms are shaped by and respond to historical, social, and cultural forces.

Character List

As "The Origins of the English Novel" is a work of literary criticism, it does not have a traditional character list. However, the book does discuss many important authors and works of the 18th century English novel, including:

Daniel Defoe and his novel "Robinson Crusoe"

Samuel Richardson and his novel "Pamela"

Henry Fielding and his novels "Tom Jones" and "Joseph Andrews"

Laurence Sterne and his novel "Tristram Shandy"

Fanny Burney and her novel "Evelina"

Jane Austen and her novels, including "Pride and Prejudice" and "Sense and Sensibility"

In addition, McKeon discusses various literary movements and trends of the time, such as the rise of sentimentalism and the Gothic novel, and the role of women writers in shaping the development of the novel.

Analysis

"The Origins of the English Novel" by Michael McKeon is a highly regarded work of literary criticism that provides a comprehensive analysis of the development of the English novel during the 18th century. McKeon's analysis is based on extensive research and scholarship, and draws on a wide range of historical, social, and cultural factors to explain the rise of the novel as a distinct literary form.

One of the key strengths of McKeon's analysis is his ability to situate the novel within the broader social and cultural context of the time. He explores the ways in which the rise of the middle class, the growth of commercialism and consumer culture, and the spread of literacy and print culture all contributed to the emergence of the novel as a popular and influential form of literature. McKeon also examines the formal characteristics of the novel, such as its use of realism, character development, and narrative continuity, and how these features helped to make it a compelling and relatable form of storytelling.

Another strength of McKeon's analysis is his attention to the role of women writers in shaping the development of the novel. He discusses the works of female novelists such as Fanny Burney and Jane Austen, and examines how their writing challenged traditional gender roles and offered new perspectives on social and cultural norms.

Overall, McKeon's analysis of the English novel is insightful, thorough, and well-supported by evidence from a range of sources. It provides a valuable resource for anyone interested in the history and development of the novel as a literary form, and sheds light on the broader social and cultural forces that have shaped the course of English literature.