Epistolary novel

the epistolary novel informs notions of the self, specifically in regard to Samuel Richardson’s Pamela. To do so, it is imperative to evaluate the forms’ impact on the story it tells. The notions of immediacy and intimacy inherent in the letter form are emphasized here. Locke’s theory of the blank self can be used to explain the creation of Pamela. Finally, Rousseau’s ideas about the creation of the self through reading explore the novel’s potential to develop the self of both the reader and the letter writer, the novel’s subject. The epistolary novel is a work written as a series of documents, commonly letters. Although the form dates back to ancient Roman times, the epistolary novel form enjoyed…

has become one of the most popular and enduring gothic novels. This blood-sucking vampire is now an iconic symbol of horror, whose fame stretches far beyond the covers of the novel. Written at the precipice of the turn of the century, the novel touches upon anxieties of a society that was changing at an uncomfortably rapid place. Stoker used this unlikely horror story to convey the apprehension of the Victorians, which includes anxieties over the existence of the supernatural, prominence of the…

themes explored in the book, such as vampirism, gender, industrialization and modernization among others are still relevant today. Stoker’s epistolary novel makes use of several literary devices, including symbolism and imagery along with clever word choice and a melodramatic tone to heighten the suspense. Typically, novels are either written as a narrative from the perspective of a third-person narrator or are a first-person reflection of the story. However, in Stoker’s case, he illustrates…

Stephen Chbosky’s novel, The Perks of Being a Wallflower is about Charlie, a boy who writes letters to an anonymous person explaining his troubles throughout his first year of high school. After Charlie’s friend commits suicide, Charlie must once again learn how to “participate”(74) in life. Alone and depressed, Charlie has no one to vent his problems to (besides the stranger he writes to). Until, he meets Patrick and his step-sister, Sam. They both take him under their wings and introduce him…

Composers reflect and challenge the values and attitudes of their context, and so, through a comparative study, responders gain an enhanced understanding of human society from two periods of time. Austen’s novel Pride and Prejudice (1813), written during the patriarchal Regency Era, emphasises the importance of marriage to her society whereas Weldon’s epistolary novel Letters to Alice (1984) suggests how the importance of marriage, especially for women, has decreased over time. However, both…

The new Stephen Chbosky film, “The Perks of Being a Wallflower”, based on the novel of the same author and name seems like a much needed update of J.D. Salinger’s novel, The Catcher in the Rye. The film provides a fresh perspective on the many heavy topics such as death, mental illness, and growing up brought up in Salinger’s novel. However, although “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” is a more relatable and heartwarming version, The Catcher in the Rye still proves to be the most groundbreaking…

I picked up this book because it was recommended to me as very funny and, having been a huge fan of The Chronicles of Narnia as a child, I wanted to read an example of C.S. Lewis's overt literary argument for Christianity. I thought I might find a Christian counterpoint to Twain's Letters from the Earth. I'm afraid I was somewhat disappointed. The Screwtape Letters is an epistolary novel with the central conceit being that C.S. Lewis has recovered letters of advice that a Demon from the depths…

From the beginning to the end of a novel, a character can go through countless changes; both physical and emotional. However, these transformations are what contribute to improvements in society, growth as an individual, and often times, the strengthening of relationships with others. Through experiencing the good and bad of life, one’s true self and beliefs are revealed. This emergence of inner values and understandings can lead to having a better outlook on life and finding oneself. In her…

The Color Purple is an epistolary novel about the protagonist’s, Celie, everyday struggles; however, she determines how her struggles affect her and how she chooses to overcome them. Celie addresses her letters to God; She views God an outlet for her to express how she feels. Alice Walker cleverly employs symbolism, conflict, and allegory to convey the theme of independence. Early in the novel, Walker introduces the protagonist, Celie, by beginning the novel with “You better not never tell…

The Perks of Being a Wallflower… A Challenged Book The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky is a challenged book about a teenage boy named Charlie who overcomes his struggles to survive throughout High School. Charlie is not like other boys and girls. He talks to people, listens to music and studies for school like no other ordinary teenager would ever do. He comes across making new friends and tells his story of all the chaos and unusual things happening during his young life. While…