The Rise of the Novel

Explore the historical emergence and development of the English novel as a literary form through this 35-minute lecture that examines both Western origins and Indian adaptations. Trace the evolution of the novel from its roots in 17th-century discourse negotiations around truth and virtue representations, as analyzed by Michael McKeon, through to its establishment as a dominant literary expression in 18th-century England. Understand Ian Watt's influential analysis of the historical factors that contributed to the novel's rise, including the development of formal realism as the genre's primary narrative strategy. Examine how the English novel was subsequently received, adapted, and transformed within the Indian literary context, providing insight into the cross-cultural transmission and evolution of this significant literary form.