NOVELS - FROM EPIC POEMS TO TIKTOK VIRALS

Petra Hadžidaova
Jun 9
3 min read

Life resembles a novel more often than novels resemble life. - George Sand

INTRODUCTION

Storytelling has left its significant mark in history. As humans, we are wired to want to know more and more. I think it has something to do with our connection with God, the infinite one. Either way, we desire more knowledge, which can be a double-edged sword. And the best way to share the news, knowledge, to teach valuable lessons and moral and ethical principles has always been through a story.

What began as epic poems and short prosaic fiction eventually evolved into the most recognized literary form of today - the novel. Let us take a quick look at this popular choice of reading material.

WHAT IS A NOVEL?

We all know that among the literary forms, novels are by far the most well-known and probably popular. But what is a novel exactly?

A novel is a long, extended work of narrative fiction usually written in prose and published as a book. (2, 3) It originates from the Italian word novella for "new", "news", or "short story (of something new)". (3)

It consists of:

Characters
Plot
Setting
Theme
Voice and Style (2)

It is complex and tends to deal with human experience throughout a sequence of events taking place in a specific setting. (4)

Despite its widespread use nowadays, novels emerged relatively late in the 17th century and are considered the longest narrative prose of today.

FROM THE FIRST EPIC POEMS TO TIKTOK VIRALS

THE BEGGINING

Though late to the game, novels have taken center stage. In ancient times, other forms were the go-to. Novels as we know them today had not yet developed.

Epic poems such as The Iliad, The Aeneid and prose fiction like The Golden Ass were the prototypes of the novel. (4)

MIDDLE AGES TO THE FIRST APPEARANCE

In the Middle Ages to Renaissance romances appeared. They were often stories about knights and quests. In Asia, The Tale of Genji was written, which some consider to be the first true novel. (2, 4)

The rest agree that the novel as we know it today began to emerge in the 17th-18th century period with the appearance of classics such as Don Quixote and Robinson Crusoe. (2, 4)

THE GOLDEN AGE

In the 19th century, considered the Golden Age of the novel, it reached its full bloom. Some of the more notable authors from this period are Jane Austen, Leo Tolstoy, Mary Shelley, Victor Hugo, and so forth. (2, 4)

MODERN TIMES

The 20th century brought new voices, experimental styles, and global perspectives, and the birth of genre fiction. Novels can be of any genre, which contributes to their vast appeal and widespreadness.

HOW TO WRITE A NOVEL

START WITH AN IDEA

Any literary form starts with an idea, a spark. Novels tend to begin with a simple question: What if? (2)

What if an apocalypse happened and two young teenagers were found to be the only ones alive in their vicinity?

DEVELOP YOUR CHARACTERS

Who are your heroes? Who are the antagonists? What are their motives that fuel them forward? What do they want to achieve? What are they afraid of? What will challenge them or change them? (2)

STRUCTURE THE STORY

Take the time to structure your story properly by creating an outline. Take the following steps:

Beginning: Introduce characters and conflict.

Middle: Escalate the tension and challenges.

Climax: The most intense moment—something changes.

End: Resolve the conflict or leave a powerful impact. (2)

WRITE YOUR FIRST DRAFT

Put your pen to paper and simply write out your story following the outline. Let your imagination and creativity run. Do not stop to edit, keep the momentum going.

REVISE

Take a step back from your draft, then revise. Strengthen your character arcs and cut away all that is unnecessary. Add depth to scenes and emotions, and tighten your prose. (2)

EDITING AND FEEDBACK

Get feedback by finding beta readers, writing groups, or hiring an editor. Any critique received should be taken into consideration. (2)

WHY NOVELS MATTER?

Novels do more than entertain. They:

Reflect and challenge societal norms
Explore human psychology and morality
Preserve cultural history and voice
Inspire empathy through diverse perspectives. (2)

IN CONCLUSION

Despite their late appearance, novels have taken the center stage in literature. They are long, extended works of narrative fiction usually written in prose and published as books. In their modern form, they began to emerge in the 17th century and are nowadays considered the longest narrative literary form. All the while the goal has remained the same: tell a story to entertain, challenge societal norms, inspire empathy, educate, and explore morality.

SOURCES

Image created via canva.com
Open AI: ChatGPT
Wikipedia. Novel. Available at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Novel
Brittanica. Novel Available at https://www.britannica.com/art/novel