How did the Age of Enlightenment influence the English novel?

In the Age of Enlightenment, English novels had several notable characteristics. Firstly, there was a growing sense of realism. Novels depicted real - life situations and the daily struggles of people. Secondly, there was an emphasis on moral and ethical teachings. Writers used their stories to convey values such as honesty, hard work, and justice. Thirdly, the language became more accessible. Novels were no longer just for the elite but for a wider readership, so the language was simplified to reach more people. For instance, in Defoe's novels, the language was straightforward and easy to understand while still being engaging.

The English oratorio could have influenced the English novel in terms of theme. For example, religious themes often explored in oratorios might have seeped into the novels. Also, the way oratorios build up tension and release it through music and performance could have inspired novelists to create similar patterns in their plots.

It introduced new types of protagonists. Instead of the traditional noble or royal characters, adventure novels had more common - folk heroes. This broadened the scope of character representation in literature.

Henry Fielding influenced the English novel by bringing in a sense of realism. His works showed real - life situations and people, not just idealized versions. This was a big step forward for the novel as a genre.

The origins influenced the development in multiple ways. The growth of literacy, which was part of the origins, meant that there was a growing market for novels. This led to more experimentation and different styles emerging. The influence of the picaresque tradition made it common for English novels to have a wandering protagonist, exploring different places and social strata. This added a sense of realism and breadth to the novels. Also, the impact of the printing press in the origins allowed for a faster spread of new ideas and techniques in novel - writing, which continuously evolved the form.

The social context influenced the origins of the English novel in multiple ways. During that time, there were new ideas about morality and ethics emerging. The novel became a medium to discuss and debate these concepts. For example, how a person should behave in society. The increasing importance of the family unit was also reflected in early novels. They often told stories centered around family relationships. Additionally, the rise of a consumer culture meant that people were looking for new forms of entertainment. The novel, with its engaging stories, filled this need. It was also a way for different social groups to communicate their values and experiences to a wider audience.

After reading 'Oliver Twist' as my first English novel, I became more aware of the social inequalities. The poor and difficult life that Oliver had to endure opened my eyes to the harsh reality that many faced in the past. It also made me appreciate my own life more and made me want to help those in need.

Fielding influenced the English novel in several ways. He was a pioneer in character development. His characters were multi - dimensional, like in 'Joseph Andrews' where the characters had different traits. He also had a complex narrative structure that later novelists learned from. His use of humor and satire to comment on society also became a model for other novelists to follow.

The economic situation had a significant impact. As the economy grew, there was more money available for investment in the publishing industry. Publishers could afford to take risks on new novelists. Also, a prosperous economy meant that more people could afford to buy novels, which increased the demand and thus encouraged more writing.

Walter Allen influenced the perception of the English novel by offering fresh interpretations. His views made people look at novels from different angles.