An epistolary novel or docufiction, is a literary form in which a story is presented through a group of letters or sentences (dialogues) that are exchanged between the characters of the story.
An epistolary novel is a unique and interesting way of storytelling, as the story presented by the diary entries or written documents used by the characters makes deeper impressions and a complete understanding of emotions, and feelings for the readers.
This distinguished and fascinating way is utilized by various authors to attain the attention of readers. The Epistolary Novel is also called Epistolary Fiction, docufiction, correspondence novel, or letter novel.
Let’s Step forward to learn about the interesting aspects of Epistolary Novak.
Origin of the Epistolary Novel
The origin of the Epistolary Novel dates back to the 1st Century AD. This style of storytelling is much older than the examples found in Classical literature, e.g., “The Periplus of the Erythrean Sea.” It is a story in the form of epistolary Fiction or correspondence novel.
As the Origin of the Epistolary Novel was found in the 1st Century AD, but its dominance and wide use are found in the 18th Century as an interesting literary form.
The Prominence of Epistolary Novel
In the 18 Century, a famous author Samuel Richardson wrote an Epistolary Novel “Pamela” in 1970 in this unique style of narration. In this story, a younger servant girl tells about her life and the experiences she gained from her life. This was an outstanding work by the author and inspired the other author to write in this literary form of literature to enhance the potential of readers to read with more interest.
Characteristics of Epistolary Novel:
Here are some important characteristics that make it a unique and distinguishing form of storytelling.
- Format and Narration Style
The storytelling through the characters’ correspondence and the series of letters come after each other which makes a suspense format and the story is always in 1st person narration. Realism is the key factor of the Epistolary Novel.
- Emotional intensity
Emotional intensity is one of the characteristics of an Epistolary Novel. It creates an emotional and sympathetic relationship between the reader toward the Novel’s characters. It enables them to deeply understand and imagine the world where they are an Eye witness of the story.
iii. Character development
The liveness of readers into the story through written communication makes them fascinated and encourages more reading. Character development is a dominant feature of Epistolary Novels.
iv. Plot device
The literary form, Epistolary Novel is a plot device on which the written communication steps forward and gives hidden meanings, creates suspense, and tells a story through each character.
- Wide Explorance and enduring appeal
A unique style of narration is found in Epistoral Noval that enables readers to explore multiple angles and too wide thinking. The storyline led by numerous Characters in their own voice makes the Epistolary Novel more engaging storytelling.
- The Versatility of Epistolary Novel
In this age, the Epistolary Novel presents a method to gain more readers as the stories may be the reflection of messages, letters, diaries writing even emails and social media posts. This freedom of Storytelling gives versatility in this digital era.
vii. Establish of deep relationship
The major factor of Epistolary Novels’ attraction is the establishment of an emotional and empathic relationship between story characters and readers like the real world by understanding them through their written voices.
Remarkable Examples Of Epistolary Novels
One of the Epistolary Novels is “Dracula” in 1897 written by Bram Stoker it is a Classical Epistoral novel, a combination of newspapers and journal clippings.
The other example of female empowerment, personal development, and unbeatable struggle is found in the Epistolary Novel “The Color Purple” Twitter by Alice Walker.
Mary Shelley’s written famous Epistolary Novel “Frankenstein” in (1818) and the other example is “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” by author Stephen Chbosky.
Hopefully, you get more information about this unique literary form!
