HISTORY OF NOVEL
1. Picaresque Novel:
The Picaresque Novel originated in 16th-century Spain. The word Picaresque is derived from the Spanish word Picaro
which means a rouge or rascal. It basically deals with the adventure of the protagonist, who is an eccentric or
disreputable person, in an episodic form.
FOR MATCH THE FOLLOWING
e.g. 1. Miguel De Cervantes’ Don Quixote – published in two parts 1605 and 1615.
2. Thomas Nash – Unfortunate Traveller – (1594)
3. Daniel Defoe’s Moll Flanders (1722) – The Protagonist is a thief and prostitute
4. Henry Feilding’s Joseph Andrews (1742) , Jonathan Wild (1743)
FOR YOUR UNDERSTANDING : HINDI MOVIE
Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye!" (2008)
Directed by: Dibakar Banerjee
Protagonist: Lucky, played by Abhay Deol
Plot: Lucky, a charismatic thief from Delhi, climbs the social ladder through his cunning and wit, all while exposing the
pretensions of the middle class.
Picaresque Elements: A roguish anti-hero, episodic narrative, social satire, and a humorous tone.
"Dev.D" (2009)
Directed by: Anurag Kashyap
Protagonist: Dev, played by Abhay Deol
Plot: A modern, unconventional retelling of Devdas, where Dev navigates his self-destructive journey while critiquing
societal norms about love and morality.
Picaresque Elements: Anti-hero with moral flaws, episodic narrative, and a critique of societal hypocrisy.
2. Epistolary Novel :
The word ‘epistolary’ derives from the Latin word ‘epistola,’ which means a letter. The epistolary novel is in which the
writer presents the narrative through a series of correspondence or other documents. This style allows readers to
experience the story through the voices and perspectives of one or more characters, providing an intimate and direct
insight into their thoughts, emotions, and actions.
Samuel Richardson’s Pamela or Virtue Rewarded ( 1740) and Clarissa Harlowe (1749)
"Tumhari Sulu" (2017) Directed by: Suresh Triveni
Epistolary Element: The film includes sequences where personal messages and letters convey emotions and conflicts,
particularly highlighting the protagonist’s inner life and relationships.
"Lootera" (2013) Directed by: Vikramaditya Motwane
Epistolary Element: The use of a diary to reveal significant plot points and the emotions of the lead characters adds an
intimate touch to the narrative.
3. Historical Novel :
The historical novel is a work of fiction where the setting, manners, characters and events are derived from history.
A historical novel is a genre of fiction set in the past, where the narrative incorporates historical events, settings, or
figures. The story typically blends factual history with fictional elements, offering readers a vivid and immersive
exploration of a specific period.
Sir Walter Scott is considered as the proponent of this type of the novel.
Jodhaa Akbar" (2008)
Historical Context: The reign of Emperor Akbar in the 16th century.
"Lagaan" (2001)
Historical Context: Colonial India under British rule.
Plot: Villagers challenge British officers to a cricket match to avoid oppressive taxes.
"Bajirao Mastani" (2015)
4. Realistic Novel :
The realistic novel is a fiction that gives the effect of realism. Sometimes this is also called a novel of manner.
It can be characterized by its complex characters with mixed motives that are rooted in the social class. The characters
in the realistic novel interact with other characters and undergo plausible and everyday experiences.
Mark Twain’s- The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn & Jay Asher’s – Thirteen Reasons Why
Article 15" (2019)
Plot: A young police officer investigates caste-based crimes in rural India.
Realistic Elements: A hard-hitting portrayal of systemic caste discrimination and social injustice.
Taare Zameen Par" (2007)
Plot: Focuses on a young boy with dyslexia and his struggles in a rigid educational system.
Realistic Elements: Depicts the challenges of neurodivergent children and the importance of empathy.
5. Gothic Novel :
The novels that include terror, mystery, horror, thriller, supernatural, death or decay or haunted buildings are
called Gothic novels. The Gothic genre is characterized by a blend of horror, mystery, romance, and the supernatural,
often set against dark and eerie backdrops like old mansions, castles, or desolate landscapes
Horace Walpole’s – The Castle of Otranato (1764)
Raat" (1992)
Plot: A young woman becomes possessed by a malevolent spirit, leading to horrifying events.
Gothic Elements: Supernatural possession, dark family secrets, and a menacing atmosphere.
"1920" (2008)
Plot: A couple moves into a haunted mansion, where the wife becomes possessed by a demonic entity.
Gothic Elements: The haunted mansion, supernatural horror, and tragic love.
Autobiographical Novel :
The Autobiographical novel is the novel based on the life of the author. However, the author changes the places and
names of characters or even may change or avoid certain details of his life. It may or may not be in the first-person
narration.
Charles Dickens – David Copperfield
D. H. Lawrence’s – Sons and Lovers
Sachin Tendulkar’s – Playing It My Way
Dangal" (2016)
Based on: The life of Mahavir Singh Phogat.
Plot: The story of a father who trains his daughters to become wrestling champions, overcoming societal stereotypes.
"Sanju" (2018)
Based on: The life of actor Sanjay Dutt.
Plot: Explores Sanjay Dutt’s tumultuous journey, including his struggles with addiction, legal battles, and family
relationships.
6. Allegorical Novel
An allegory is a story that bears more than one level of meaning. The surface meaning of such novel is different from
the symbolic meaning of it. The symbolic meaning of an allegory may be political, religious, historical or Philosophical.
George Orwell’s – Animal Farm
"PK" (2014)
Allegory for: Religious dogma and societal hypocrisy.
Plot: An alien questions human practices and beliefs while trying to find his way back home.
Themes: Faith, humanity, and critical thinking
The Blue Umbrella" (2005)
Allegory for: Innocence, greed, and redemption.
Plot: A little girl’s prized blue umbrella causes jealousy and conflict in her village.Themes: Simplicity, materialism, and
morality.
7 . Psychological Novel
Psychological novel is a work of fiction that treats the internal life of the protagonist or even the other characters as
much as the external factors. In this type of novel, the emphasis is on the inner life of the characters.
"Bhool Bhulaiyaa" (2007)
Plot: A psychologist investigates strange occurrences in a haunted mansion, uncovering a deep-seated mental disorder.
"Kahaani" (2012)
Plot: A pregnant woman searches for her missing husband, uncovering a web of lies and deception.
Themes: Memory, revenge, and psychological manipulation.
8. Stream of Consciousness Novel
The phrase ‘ Stream of Consciousness’ was coined by William James in his treatise ‘ Principles of Psychology.’ (1890).
Stream of Consciousness means the flow of thoughts. Incidents in the plot are in the sequence of their occurrences. The
novelist narrates them as they enter the mind of the character.
James Joyce’s Ulysses (1922)
"Rang De Basanti" (2006)
Stream of Consciousness Elements:
The film portrays the emotional and ideological transformation of its protagonists, blending past and present through
their internal reflections on patriotism and personal loss.
Themes: Identity, legacy, and awakening.
2. "Tamasha" (2015)
Stream of Consciousness Elements:
The protagonist’s internal conflict between societal expectations and his true self is expressed through surreal
sequences and introspective moments.
Themes: Self-discovery, creativity, and existential angst.
9. Utopian Novel :
Utopian Novel presents an imaginary community or society possessing the ideal qualities. It is a common literary
theme, especially in science fiction or speculative fiction.
"Her" (2013)
Directed by: Spike Jonze
Plot: A man develops a relationship with an AI, exploring emotional perfection in a futuristic society.
Themes: Connection, technology, and loneliness.
"Swades" (2004)
Plot: A NASA scientist returns to India to reconnect with his roots and create a better society.
Utopian Elements: Depicts a vision of rural development and empowerment through self-reliance.
Themes: Social reform, idealism, and community upliftment.
"Lage Raho Munna Bhai" (2006)
Plot: A local goon adopts Gandhian principles to spread peace and resolve societal issues.
Utopian Elements: Presents a society where non-violence and truth overcome systemic corruption.
Themes: Social harmony and moral integrity.
11. Bildungsroman Novel
Also known as a “coming-of-age story.” The German word bildungsroman indicates growth. A bildungsroman is a tale
in which the main character transforms from child to adult, or at least takes some major steps in that direction.
Bildungsroman Novel is concerned with the growth of the protagonist’s mind, spirits and characters from childhood to
adulthood.
Charles Dickens’s Great Expectations
"Queen" (2014)
Plot: A young woman embarks on a solo honeymoon after her wedding is canceled, discovering independence and self-
confidence.
Themes: Independence, self-love, and empowerment.
"Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara" (2011)
Plot: Three friends confront their fears, reconcile with their past, and embrace life's possibilities on a road trip.
Themes: Friendship, personal growth, and self-realization.
