TYPES OF NOVELS (Ignitia)

Samuel Richardson wrote Pamela: or Virtue Rewarded in the simple epistolary, or letter
writing, style. Since then, forms of the novel have multiplied. A list of all these forms is
nearly impossible to complete. Some of the more common forms which have emerged
throughout the literary history of the novel are still used today:

type of novel in which plot and character hold less importance

novel of incident than episodes

novel of sentiment type of novel that deals with domestic tragedy

a style of fiction, originating from Spain, which is characterized by

picaresque novel
coarse or rough heroes

type of novel that places a great deal of emphasis on motives,

psychological novel
circumstances and on interior characterization

type of novel that deals specifically with the nature, function, and
sociological novel
effect of society and social forces on characters

type of writing that deals with the flow of a character's thoughts

stream-of-consciousness
rather than his actions

The novel of manners deals with the customs and mores of a specific social class.
The novel of character emphasizes development of character.
The historical novel relies on serious study of an historical period or event and builds
its story around historical persons or events.
The gothic novel deals in the mysterious employing magic, chivalry, and horror to
create an atmosphere of unknown terror.
The detective novel deals with the solution of a mystery by a clever person or persons
who follow series of clues to find the truth.
The picaresque novel has little plot and deals with episodes in the life of a character
who usually comes from the lower class of society. Satire of social classes and
problems often occurs in the picaresque novel.
The science-fiction novel portrays a world that does not exist or that may not exist for
several years into the future. It is usually based on scientific theory or fact.
The types of novels just discussed are only a few examples of the many forms taken by
the novel. The list can also include such types as the psychological novel (in the
vocab box), the novel of fantasy, the novel of incident (in the vocab
box), the sociological novel (in the vocab box), the stream-of-consciousness novel
(in the vocab box), the novel of sentiment (in the vocab box), and on and on.

When the reader judges a novel, he must take into account the type of novel he is
reading and interpret the novel according to the purposes associated with that
type of novel.