The novels written in the form of letters are called epistolary novels. Before starting its study, we need to understand its origin and history of epistolary novel. Knowledge about its development, background story and roots of longstanding tradition enable you to make further inventions. It keeps your interest alive and enhance your storytelling techniques.
Background of epistolary novels
The initiative if epistolary narratives became popular after epic poems, dramas and prose narratives. This became a popular form of storytelling in ancient Greek literature. There are some famous names such as Euripides, Herodotus, and Xenophon who started incorporating letters into their works to enhance the narrative.
Other than conveying messages, these letters were used to symbolize significant moments and plot development.
The use of letters in literature was not just for conveying messages but also for symbolizing significant moments or plot developments. For example in Euripides’ play “Medea”, Medea sends a letter to her husband to express her anger. This scene actually explains revenge of the character. The letter adds more excitement in the story.
First epistolary novel in english
First epistolary novel in english was published in 1684. Its name is, “Love Letters Between a Noble Man and His sister” by Aphra Behn. The writer explores themes of love, scandal and politics. The interesting thing is that firstly it was published anonymously. Still many scholars conflict about its attribution. It has three volumes, others two were released in 1685 and 1687 respectively.
1. Letters as physical objects
Considering ancient greek literature, it is important to highlight that letters were often used as physical objects in the story. Characters exchanged letters or hold letters, the content within the letters was hidden from the audience. Existence of letter explains existence of something important. We can say, it could be technique to keep your audience in suspense. For example, in Herodotus’ play “Histories,” rulers and generals use letters to convey messages, these letters were instrumental in making strategic decisions but the audience find it just as a piece of paper.
2. Secretive patterns of letter writing
In ancient Greek literature, writers used letters to convey secret messages. They use specific patterns that seems different but explains different message. This technique adds mystery and intrigue in their stories. For example in Euripides’ play, “Medea,” the main character sends a letter along with gifts. In reality that were poisoned. Calling these letters the groundwork of using letters as literary device would not be wrong. Further, a famous writer baron de Montesquieu, wrote an epistolary novel “The Persian Letters”, becoming one of the first true origins of the epistolary novel.
3. Letters solidify community believes
In ancient Greece, epistolary literature, had a significant role in building community believes. For example, letters of Epicurus, an ancient Greek philosopher connected and influence future generations. These letters shared identity among followers and and created a sense of continuity.
4. Reveal death scene secrets
Finding letters along with the body reveals something important, it could be a new mystery or a resolution. It makes audience curious about the letter’s authenticity. Believing it or not is the big question because there are chances of being fake and possibilities of being real. The writers use letters to express dual nature, autehctity, and deceit.
5. Letters as symbols of authority
Famous authors in Greek literature such as Herodotus and Xenophon used letters to show authenticity of a statement. This technique makes their story relatable and people understand the means of communincation in those times. People like rulers and generals used letters to make deals and send orders. It all explains the significance of letters in the past era.
6. Significant theatrical device
Letter appearance on the stage signifies something important. Famous playwrights like Euripides and Sophocles used it as their literary technique. Arrival of letter in the start, created anticipation among audience and they expect something about to unfold. Many times, writers used letters to create a sense of tension among the audience. Often readers find hesitation among characters while opening letters in beginning of epistolary novel. It intacts audience to know about the changing course after letter.
7. Challenge assumptions
In Greek literature, writers used disobedient letters to challenge reader’s assumptions. These letters have opposite intent of its message. For example, in Euripides’ play “Medea”, Meadea’s letter happened to be different than its appearance. It adds complexity to their narratives and forced readers to reconsider their assumptions.
8. Reflect nature of communication
Authors make an effective use of letters to define the relationship and nature of communication among characters. This style define the difference between speaking and writing. Words affect differently to different people. Letter keep memories alive and authors use artistically in their stories. These letters make stories of different incidents happened, that characters like to narrate.
Conclusion
Epistolary novels are fun to write and read, and use it as literary technique to create an emotional relationship with your audience. Use letters as objects to explain the narratives of your characters. Reveal secrets through letters content within epistolary novels. It is an ancient technique Greeks have been using to influence their audience. You can also make it workable for your epistles.
