What is a Novel?

Novels are a widely recognized form of expression, reflecting the creative and imaginative minds of those who author them. Written fiction typically covering centuries of human history, novels explore different stories, characters, and settings, immortalizing experiences and perspectives of the times in which they were written.

A Definition

The concept of a novel is broad, derived from the Italian word “novella” which means “new”. By definition, a novel is an extended story with fictional characters, events, and settings, in which a series of actions take place. A novel is usually divided into chapters, with individual topics or aspects of a character’s story presented in each chapter. The content of a novel often has some sort of underlying theme or lesson, with the goals of revealing hidden aspects of the characters’ lives or the entire world in which the story is taking place.

Examples

Novels have been written for centuries, and can take on virtually any form. Examples include literary fiction like To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, science fiction such as The War of the Worlds by H.G. Wells, and historical fiction, such as Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell. Novels can also encompass other forms, such as romance and mystery.

No matter the genre, novels offer a unique look into the language, atmosphere and culture of the time in which they were written. Whether they provide thought-provoking commentary on the state of the world or pure entertainment, novels are an important and irreplaceable part of the literary universe.