Literature in English: (1660-1798) Background Reading
The rise of the English novel in the 18th century represents a decisive shift in literary history from classical and aristocratic traditions to a modern, prose-based form centered on individual experience and social reality. This transformation was closely tied to broader social changes in England, particularly the emergence of a powerful middle class. Unlike the aristocracy, this new readership was interested in stories that reflected ordinary life, moral struggles, and personal advancement. Literature was no longer meant only to celebrate heroic ideals or courtly love; instead, it began to explore the lived experiences of common people, making the novel a democratic and inclusive form. At the same time, the expansion of literacy and the growth of print culture played a crucial role in shaping the novel. The proliferation of printing presses, newspapers, periodicals, and circulating libraries created a vibrant literary marketplace. Authors began writing for a wide audience rather...