Types of Fiction - Calicut University 4th semester, Appreciating Fiction Part. 1

1. Picaresque Novel 

The picaresque novel is a genre that originated in Spain during the sixteenth century. Originated from the Spanish word -"Picaro" (means picaroon /  knave/ rogue). It is known for its episodic structure and focus on the adventures of a rogue protagonist, often from a lower socio-economic background. The tales are often set against backdrops of social unrest, war or oppression. In sharp contrast to the traditional hero who embodies moral fortitude, the picaresque hero has questionable morals and can be considered an anti-hero figure. Despite this, readers often find themselves drawn to these flawed protagonists because of their wit and charm. Common features include satire, irony and depiction of human folly in everyday life. Famous examples include Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes and Tom Jones by Henry Fielding. Today, modern-day examples can be seen in films like Pulp Fiction and TV shows such as Breaking Bad recounting the escapades of morally ambiguous protagonists fighting against societal norms to achieve personal gain.

2. Epistolary Novel

An epistolary novel is a literary work that is primarily composed of letters, diary entries, or other forms of written correspondence that developed in English novels in 18th century.This unique narrative style allows the story to unfold through the characters' personal writings, giving readers an intimate glimpse into their thoughts, emotions, and experiences. The defining feature of an epistolary novel is its epistolary structure, which often creates a sense of immediacy and authenticity. This narrative form offers a rich exploration of character development, as the characters express themselves directly through their letters. Some notable examples of epistolary novels include "Dracula" by Bram Stoker, "Frankenstein" by Mary Shelley, and "The Color Purple" by Alice Walker, each demonstrating the power of this literary technique in crafting compelling and personal stories.

3. Gothic Novel

The Gothic novel is a literary genre that originated in the late eighteenth century and is characterized by its dark and mysterious tone, supernatural elements, gloomy settings, and complex characters. It emerged as a reaction to the Enlightenment's emphasis on reason, science, and progress. Leading Gothic writers such as Horace Walpole, Ann Radcliffe, Matthew Lewis, and Mary Shelley utilized medieval castles, haunted buildings or ruins, ancient books of magic or cursed family relics to evoke terror or horror. They explore themes such as madness, decay, imprisonment of the soul, gender inequality through motifs of ghostly apparitions or monstrous figures. Gothic tradition influenced many later writers across different genres like Edgar Allan Poe's tales of mystery and macabre to Bram Stoker’s Dracula which created lasting cultural impact till today. In essence; the Gothic novel stands as an important historical precedent for modern-day horror fiction while being steeped in fascinating literary tropes that have been copied throughout history - forever changing how we tell stories today.

4. Bildungsroman

A Bildungsroman novel is a genre of literature that focuses on the personal and moral growth of a protagonist, usually from childhood to adulthood. The term "Bildungsroman" is derived from the German words "Bildung," meaning education or formation, and "Roman," meaning novel. This genre typically explores the protagonist's coming-of-age journey, their self-discovery, and the development of their identity and worldview. Key features of a Bildungsroman novel include a narrative structure that follows the protagonist's maturation process, the presence of conflicts and challenges that shape their character, and themes of identity, independence, and social expectations. Examples of Bildungsroman novels include "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee, "Jane Eyre" by Charlotte Brontë, and "The Catcher in the Rye" by J.D. Salinger.