Novel in the 19th Century

• What is a picaresque novel?


  A picaresque novel is characterized by episodic plots following the adventures of a roguish but likable protagonist.
• How did the picaresque novel influence Dickens's narrative style?


  It greatly influenced Dickens’s narrative style, especially in his early works like The Pickwick Papers and David Copperfield.
• Which early works of Dickens were influenced by the picaresque novel?


  The Pickwick Papers and David Copperfield.
• What elements did Laurence Sterne incorporate in Tristram Shandy that inspired Dickens?


  Sterne blended humor, unconventional narrative structure, and digressions in Tristram Shandy.
• What is one key feature of Sterne's Tristram Shandy?


  It features an unconventional narrative structure.
• How did Tobias Smollett's novels influence Dickens?


  Smollett's picaresque novels influenced Dickens with their lively characters, biting humor, and satirical portrayals of society.
• Name two picaresque novels by Tobias Smollett.


  Roderick Random and Humphry Clinker.
• What narrative style did Henry Fielding's Tom Jones provide for Dickens?


  Tom Jones provided a model of sprawling, episodic narrative that combined humor with social criticism.
• Which work of Dickens emulated Fielding's narrative style?


  Nicholas Nickleby.
• What are the key influences on Dickens's narrative style from the picaresque novel and its authors?


  • Picaresque novel: episodic plots, likable rogues
  • Laurence Sterne: humor, unconventional structure, digressions
  • Tobias Smollett: lively characters, biting humor, societal satire
  • Henry Fielding: sprawling narratives, humor, social criticism
• What is melodrama characterized by?


  Exaggerated emotions and moral polarization
• In which century was melodrama a popular literary and theatrical form?


  The 19th century
• Which author incorporated elements of melodrama into his works?


  Charles Dickens
• In which works did Dickens incorporate melodramatic elements?


  • Oliver Twist
  • A Tale of Two Cities
• How does Dickens use characters in his melodramatic works?


  He divides them into virtuous heroes and villainous figures
• What effect does the division of characters into heroes and villains have in Dickens' works?


  It heightens the emotional impact
• What are the main characteristics of Gothic fiction?


  It is marked by mystery, horror, and the supernatural.
• How did Gothic fiction influence Charles Dickens's works?


  It influenced his darker works by incorporating elements of mystery and horror.
• What Gothic tropes did Dickens use in Great Expectations and Bleak House?


  • Decaying mansions
  • Eerie atmospheres
  • Haunting secrets
• What themes do the Gothic tropes in Dickens's works explore?


  They explore psychological and societal decay.
• What literary technique did Dickens often employ to appeal to readers' emotions?


  Sentimentalism
• How did Dickens use sentimentalism in his novels?


  He used it to advocate for social reform by appealing to the reader's emotions
• What is a notable example of a Dickens novel that features sentimentalism?


  • The Old Curiosity Shop
  • Features emotionally charged scenes
  • Example: the death of Little Nell
• What was the intended effect of emotionally charged scenes in Dickens' works?


  To evoke sympathy and moral reflection in the reader
• What impact did sentimentality have on Dickens' popularity?


  It contributed to his popularity but also led to critical backlash
• What was one criticism Dickens faced regarding his use of sentimentalism?


  He was criticized for being overly sentimental
• What literary techniques were central to Dickens's style?


  Satire and caricature
• How did Dickens use humor in his writing?


  To critique social institutions and human folly
• What is an example of a character that reflects exaggerated traits in Dickens's work?

  Mr. Bumble
• What role does Mr. Bumble play in "Oliver Twist"?


  He is a pompous beadle
• Who is another character that exemplifies caricature in Dickens's writing?

  Mr. Pecksniff
• What is Mr. Pecksniff's defining trait in "Martin Chuzzlewit"?


  He is hypocritical
• Why was Dickens's ability to blend humor with social commentary significant?


  It was essential to his success as a novelist and reformer