The Tale of Genji by Murasaki Shikibu is often considered the world's first novel. It was written in the 11th century in Japan and has many elements that are characteristic of the modern novel, such as complex characters, detailed descriptions of court life, and a long, continuous narrative.
Many scholars believe that 'The Golden Ass' by Apuleius is regarded as one of the earliest novels. It was written in the 2nd century AD and has some characteristics that define a novel.
The first novel in the world is thought to be 'The Tale of Genji'. It showcases a rich narrative and in-depth character development, setting a precedent for the form of the novel as we know it today.
The world's first novel is a matter of debate among literary experts. However, 'The Tale of Genji' is a strong contender due to its complexity and narrative style that laid the foundation for modern novelistic elements.
A 'world first novel' might be considered as such if it introduced new and revolutionary narrative techniques. For example, 'Don Quixote' is often regarded in this way. It was one of the first to use the modern form of the novel, with complex characters and a long, episodic plot. This was quite different from the existing literary forms at that time.
In 'The Tale of Genji', a work considered the world first novel, one of the main features is its exploration of human relationships. It shows how different characters interact with each other, whether it's love, friendship, or enmity. The descriptions of the settings, especially the courtly settings, are very detailed. And the language used is both beautiful and complex, which adds to the overall richness of the work. It also has a certain degree of psychological depth in portraying the characters' inner thoughts and feelings.
Well, there are different opinions on this. Some scholars point to 'Don Quixote' as the first important novel, given its influence and innovation in storytelling.
It's hard to determine exactly, but some of the earliest known stories come from ancient civilizations like Sumer and Egypt. Their myths and tales passed down through generations could be among the oldest.