The novel
Beryl Clarke, Contributor

Today we begin to work on this aspect of our syllabus. Having spent a little time discussing poetry, to which we will return soon, I believe that it is only fair that we continue to have fun, but now with the novel. You have been studying literature for years, and so I know that you are aware of the difference between a novel, a poem and a play. Here, we need not consider the poem, as that difference is easily recognisable. By the way, you will get the remaining answers to those questions asked earlier.

A novel is written in continuous prose, unlike a play. It also has many elements, including a plot, characters, setting, point of view, themes and some amount of dialogue. A novel tells a story and does so in an orderly manner. This does not always mean that the story begins at point A and proceeds, step by step or development by development, through to Z. Some writers use a technique known as flashback. In this, the writer introduces the story from Z, then moves to A, and then proceeds to Z again.

Sequences

This means that the story moves out of sequence to deal with an event or situation that occurred before the time that the story takes place. In this way, the author is able to give readers background information. Foreshadowing is another technique sometimes used by authors. This is the early introduction into the story of characters, situations, objects or events that hint at things to come. It gives the writer the opportunity to suggest future developments and to gradually prepare readers to realise the importance of some details.

The narrative (novel) may have some facts and some history in its background, but it is the imaginary work of an author. In other words, the writer is the creator of the characters, their relationships, the actions in the story and of how all is brought to an end or resolved. Of course, in some stories, the focus is on real people and real events.

Types of novels

I do not have to tell you that there are many types of novels. You are, no doubt, familiar with romance novels (particularly the young ladies) - modern or historical or gothic; mystery, war, folk and fairy tales, science fiction, westerns, action, thrillers and religious-based works of fiction. Novels cater to a wide variety of tastes, and are set anywhere in any time.

You see, narratives come out of an oral tradition. There was a time when storytelling was one of the chief methods of entertainment. In those days, stories were told, not on paper, but orally, in prose and or poetry. Storytellers incorporated simple, clear characters and the struggle between good and evil in their tales. It is believed that the fairy tales, like Cinderella, come out of the oral tradition and have influenced the development of the modern novel.

Did you read Robinson Crusoe when you were younger? Have you ever heard of it? It was written by Daniel Defoe, an Englishman, and he is credited with writing the first novel. Since 1719, when this story was written, there have been many changes to the novel. In the 19th century, many of the narratives that were written were lengthy, containing several well-developed characters and placed in realistic settings.

Style of publishing

Writers in those days often had their works published chapter by chapter. Authors such as Charles Dickens, Charlotte and Emily Bronte, as well as Thomas Hardy, are remembered for their contribution to the growth of the narrative form.

Now, before we delve into our first prose work this term, I am encouraging you to pay attention to the following aspects of literature: plot, setting, characterisation, point of view, style and themes. Here is some information about each.

Plot is concerned with the events in the story and how they relate to each other. It contains the germ of the story, starting with exposition in which some basic facts are presented. This is followed by a series of complications, climax and, lastly, resolution. The exposition can be very brief or it can be extensive - introducing main characters and sometimes important events or conflicts. As students of the subject, you must look at the conflicts and their sources; that is, how they start and how they are settled. Is there foreshadowing or is the flashback method used?

In our next lesson we will continue to talk about the novel. Before this, however, I would like you to read The Chrysalids by John Whyndham.

Take of yourselves and God bless!

These two, e'hem, 'little ones', Lorna Downie, principal of Wolmer's Prep School, and Adrian Mandra, a teacher, dressed in the school's uniform in celebration of Children's Day recently. - Rudolph Brown/Chief Photographer

Beryl Clarke teaches at Glenmuir High School.