Contributions of 18th-century novelists towards the growth of the English novels

Abstract

The English novel was considered as a literary genre that emerged in the 18th-century, was influenced by innovations in printing and became the most important part of English literature. The 18th century, known as the "Age of the Novel," saw the rise of realism, and its growth was influenced by middle class and publishing industry expansion. The period also saw momentous development in the English novel, with authors like Daniel Defoe, Samuel Richardson, and Henry Fielding, Laurence Sterne normally accredited with ground-breaking, psychological realism and characterization in their works establishing its conventions and appeal to middle-class readers. The Industrial Revolution sparked a desire for literature related to everyday experiences. This paper aims to explore the contributions of 18th-century novelist and how their work provides a unique and personal perspective on the social, cultural, and intellectual aspects of their era.