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William Beckford

Fiction and Short Stories - 6 Chapter Notes | Crash Course for UGC NET English LiteratureGothic Science Storms
  • Vathek, An Arabian Tale (1786): This is a Gothic novel set in the Orient.

Charles Robert Maturin

  • Melmoth, the Wanderer (1820): This novel tells the story of its main character who has sold his soul to the devil. Its narrative and style are similar to the parable of The Wandering Jew.

Mary Shelley

  • Mary Shelley, born in 1797, was the daughter of the well-known political writer William Godwin and the feminist writer Mary Wollstonecraft. She later married the Romantic poet, philosopher, and literary critic Percy Bysshe Shelley. She is best known for her Gothic novel.

Frankenstein or The Modern Prometheus (1818)

  • Published by Mary Shelley at the age of 19, Frankenstein was inspired by a friendly competition among several writers, including Lord Byron, to write the best horror story. In this contest, John Polidori wrote the first vampire novel, The Vampyre.
  • Robert Walton, a ship captain at the North Pole, writes a letter to his sister about a man named Victor Frankenstein whom he rescued and his life story.
  • Victor describes himself as a scientist in Natural Philosophy who discovered how to give life. He created a creature but was horrified by its appearance and abandoned it.

Plot Summary

  • The monster, left alone, kills Victor’s brother.
  • The monster asks for a companion, but Victor, fearing the consequences, refuses.
  • Tragically, the monster kills Victor's wife on their wedding night, causing Victor’s father to die from grief.
  • Feeling isolated, Victor seeks revenge on the monster.
  • After Victor's rescue, he dies, and the monster, having fulfilled its revenge, vanishes into darkness.

Other Works by Mary Shelley

Fiction and Short Stories - 6 Chapter Notes | Crash Course for UGC NET English LiteratureDystopian Echoes
  • The Last Man (1826)
  • Lodore (1835)
  • Falkner (1837)

The Last Man is a story set in the 21st century, depicting a world grappling with a devastating pandemic.

Elizabeth Inchbald (1753–1821)

Elizabeth Inchbald was an English writer, actress, and political activist. She is known for her novels and plays that often reflect her radical views.

Notable Works

  • A Simple Story (1791): This novel explores themes like women’s education, gender roles, Catholicism, and emotional sensitivity. It is considered an early example of a "Novel of Passion."
  • Nature and Art (1796): Referred to as a Jacobean novel, it examines the relationship between personal experiences and larger systems of oppression. The story satirically portrays two generations and their understanding of women’s roles in society.

William Godwin (1756–1836)

William Godwin was a journalist and political thinker known for his critique of political institutions. Besides his novel Caleb Williams, he wrote An Enquiry Concerning Political Justice and Its Influence on General Virtue and Happiness, and a biography of his wife titled Memoirs.

Notable Works

  • Caleb Williams or Things as They Are (1794): This novel criticizes aristocratic privileges through the story of a servant, Caleb Williams, who uncovers a secret about his master, Falkland. The narrative highlights the flaws in legal systems, where the powerful escape justice while the innocent suffer.

Mary Wollstonecraft (1759–1797)

Fiction and Short Stories - 6 Chapter Notes | Crash Course for UGC NET English LiteratureFeminist Pioneer

Mary Wollstonecraft was an English writer, philosopher, and advocate for women's rights. She brought attention to issues affecting women that were largely overlooked during her time. After experiencing two unsuccessful relationships, she married William Godwin, and they had a daughter who would become one of the most famous female novelists of her generation. Wollstonecraft is best known for her book A Vindication of the Rights of Woman (1792), in which she argues that women are not inherently inferior to men but rather suffer from a lack of education that leads to their subjugation. She also wrote Thoughts on the Education of Daughters, advocating for women's education.

Key Works

  • Mary, A Fiction : This novel is considered bold and provocative for its time. It features an unconventional heroine and explores her romantic relationships with both a man and a woman, challenging traditional notions of sexual and gender roles.
  • Maria or the Wrongs of a Woman : Seen as a sequel to Vindication of the Rights of Woman, this novel critiques marriage as a patriarchal institution and highlights the injustices that society imposes on women.

Fanny Burney (1752–1840)

Fanny Burney was an English satirist, diarist, and novelist known for her Novel of Manners. She held the position of Keeper of the Robes for Queen Charlotte, the wife of George III. After a long career in writing, she married a French exile and moved to Bath. Her upper-class experiences enabled her to portray its complexities and offer sharp satirical observations.

Evelina or The History of a Young Lady’s Entrance into the World (1778)

Fiction and Short Stories - 6 Chapter Notes | Crash Course for UGC NET English LiteratureCountryside Romance
  • This novel, published anonymously in three volumes, follows the story of Evelina, the heroine after whom the book is named.
  • Evelina is the unacknowledged but legitimate daughter of an English aristocrat. She has been living a sheltered life in rural England until she reaches the age of 17.
  • Her life takes a turn when she is led to the resort town of Hotwells, near Bristol, where a series of humorous events unfold.

Cecilia or Memoir of an Heiress (1782)

  • This novel tells the story of a young woman from the upper class who falls in love with a man from a superior social class.
  • It is categorized within the Novel of Manners genre, which explores the social customs and behaviors of a particular group.

Camilla, or a Picture of Youth (1796)

  • The novel centers on the marriage prospects of Camilla and her sisters, as well as Camilla’s romantic relationship with nobleman Edgar.
  • It delves into the social, emotional, and mental challenges faced by the characters, portraying their dilemmas and struggles.

The Wanderer or Female Difficulties (1814)

  • Set against the backdrop of the French Revolution, this love story critiques the English treatment of foreigners during the war years.

Maria Edgeworth (1768–1849)

  • Maria Edgeworth was an Anglo-Irish writer renowned as the first realist author of children’s literature.
  • She also wrote novels and corresponded with Sir Walter Scott, a prominent literary figure of her era.
  • Influenced by her father, Edgeworth is best known for her collection of short stories for children titled The Parent’s Assistant.
  • The most famous story in this collection is The Purple Jar, which depicts a girl’s experience of her first period.
  • Edgeworth voiced her opinions on the political and social turmoil of her time, particularly concerning the relationship between England and Ireland.

Castle Rackrent (1800)

Fiction and Short Stories - 6 Chapter Notes | Crash Course for UGC NET English LiteratureCastle Chronicles
  • Castle Rackrent is a brief novella that ridicules Anglo-Irish landlords and is set in the period before the Constitution of 1782.
  • The narrative revolves around four generations of Rackrent heirs, each depicted as extravagant, litigious, cruel, and prone to gambling, with the exception of the last heir, who, although generous, is improvident.
  • This work of historical fiction illustrates the persistent mismanagement of the Rackrent estate throughout these generations.

Belinda (1801)

  • Belinda marks Edgeworth's debut full-length novel and stirred controversy due to its depiction of interracial marriage between an African servant and an English farm girl.
  • The narrative delves into themes of marriage, race, love, and courtship, emphasizing the tension between reason and emotions in these contexts.

Walter Scott (1771–1832)

  • Walter Scott, a Scottish novelist, playwright, historian, and critic, is recognized as the pioneer of Historical Fiction.
  • Initially an advocate, Scott ventured into writing with a series of long narrative poems, among which The Lay of the Last Minstrel (1805), a medieval romance, stands out.
  • His other significant works, such as The Lady of the Lake and Marmion, explore themes of corrupt passions leading to the catastrophic Battle of Flodden in 1513.
  • Although considered for the role of poet laureate, Scott declined the offer.
  • His critical writings had a profound impact on the literary creations of his peers.
  • Following the success of his novel Waverley, Scott published most of his subsequent novels under the name ‘By the Writer of Waverley’ .

Waverly (1814)

Fiction and Short Stories - 6 Chapter Notes | Crash Course for UGC NET English LiteratureScottish Chivalry
  • Waverly marks Walter Scott's debut novel, seamlessly intertwining history with fiction.
  • The narrative is set against the backdrop of the Jacobite uprising in 1745, a pivotal event aimed at reinstating the Stuart monarchy.
  • Its immense popularity prompted Scott to produce a series of historical novels, all credited to the name ‘by the author of Waverly.’

Guy Mannering or The Astrologer (1815)

  • This novel is the second installment in the Waverly edition series.
  • The narrative primarily unfolds in Scotland during the 1760s and 80s, with certain events taking place in Holland, Cumberland, and India.

The Bride of Lammermoor (1819)

  • This poignant tale revolves around the ill-fated romance between Lucy Ashton and Edgar, Master of Ravenswood, who is the sworn enemy of her family.

Ivanhoe (1819)

  • Ivanhoe stands as one of the pioneering novels portraying the chivalric love stories of the Middle Ages.
  • The narrative highlights the Anglo-Saxon conflicts against the Normans.
  • The protagonist, Sir William of Ivanhoe, faces disinheritance from his father due to his allegiance to Richard the Lionheart.
  • Set after the Third Crusade, the story follows Richard's return home, cleverly disguised as the Black Knight.

The Heart of Midlothian (1818)

  • Initially released in four volumes as Tales of My Landlord, attributed to the fictional character Jedediah Cleishbotham.
  • The storyline is anchored in the Proteus riots that occurred in Edinburgh between 1736 and May 1737.
  • The plot follows the journey of a working-class woman from Edinburgh to London, as she strives to obtain a royal pardon for her sister, who has been falsely accused of murdering her newborn child.
  • The term Midlothian alludes to the historical significance of the Old Tolbooth prison in Edinburgh.

Kenilworth (1821)

Fiction and Short Stories - 6 Chapter Notes | Crash Course for UGC NET English LiteratureElizabethan Love

Kenilworth is a historical romance set in the Elizabethan era, revolving around the grand arrival of Queen Elizabeth at the Kenilworth Castle. The queen is received with great splendor by the Earl of Leicester, who, driven by his ambition for power, conceals his marriage to Amy from her.

Jane Austen

Jane Austen is the most widely read author in the world. Through her novels, she provides a true and clear picture of English life. She received her education at home and spent her life happily in small country parishes, balancing her writing with her family duties. The writer Walter Scott praised her novel Emma in an article published anonymously in the Quarterly Review, stating, ‘Her characters are absolutely true to life, and all her work has the perfection of a miniature painting.’ Her novels act as microcosms of life.

1. Sense and Sensibility (1811)

  • The novel follows the journey of three Dashwood sisters who must move to a smaller house with their recently widowed mother.
  • At that time, women had no rights to property, so the fortunes of Mr. Dashwood were passed to his son from his first marriage.
  • While renting a modest cottage from a distant relative, the two older sisters, Elinor and Marianne, experience love, romance, and heartbreak.
  • Austen originally titled the novel Elinor and Marianne before changing it to Sense and Sensibility to highlight the sisters' characteristics.

2. Pride and Prejudice (1813)

  • Originally called First Impressions, this novel centres on Mr. and Mrs. Bennet of Longbourn and their five daughters.
  • They are looking for suitors for their daughters to prevent them from becoming homeless and destitute.
  • The arrival of Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy at Netherfield opens new opportunities for the girls.
  • The story focuses on the love-hate relationship that develops between Darcy and Elizabeth, culminating in their marriage.
  • The novel explores the choices of partners for marriage based on love, money, or social status.

3. Mansfield Park (1814)

Fiction and Short Stories - 6 Chapter Notes | Crash Course for UGC NET English LiteratureRegency Romance
  • Postcolonial Themes: The novel delves into postcolonial issues, focusing on Fanny Price, who moves to Mansfield Park to live with her wealthy relatives, Sir Thomas and Lady Bertram.
  • Fanny's Journey: At Mansfield Park, Fanny befriends her cousin Edward Bertram and gradually falls in love with him. However, her lower social status makes her doubt the possibility of a future with him.
  • Social Issues: The story addresses serious topics such as the slave trade and the oppression of Black individuals in British colonies, highlighting the impact of these issues on society.

4. Emma (1816)

  • Emma's Character: The protagonist, Emma, is portrayed as rich, clever, and handsome. She lives with her widowed father and enjoys the hobby of matchmaking.
  • Complications in Matchmaking: Emma's attempts to set up romantic matches for others lead to unexpected complications in her own life. Through these experiences, she embarks on a journey of self-discovery.
  • Discovering True Feelings: As Emma navigates the complexities of her matchmaking efforts, she gradually uncovers her own true feelings for someone, leading to personal growth and realization.

5. Northanger Abbey (1818)

  • Parody of Gothic Romances: Northanger Abbey satirizes popular Gothic romances of the era, with a particular focus on Ann Radcliffe’s The Mysteries of Udolpho.
  • Catherine's Innocence: The story follows Catherine, a naive country girl who visits Bath with her neighbours. Her innocent comparisons between real life and the fictional stories she reads create confusion for her.
  • Blurring Fiction and Reality: During her stay in Bath, Catherine meets the man she loves. Through her experiences, she learns the important lesson that fiction often differs greatly from reality, highlighting the contrasts between the two.

6. Persuasion (1818)

  • Central Character: The novel revolves around Anne Elliot, who is persuaded by Lady Russell, a family friend, to break off her engagement with Captain Wentworth, a naval officer of lower social standing.
  • Change in Circumstances: Years later, Captain Wentworth's fortunes change as he becomes wealthy, altering the dynamics of their relationship.
  • Reunion and Marriage: Despite the passage of time and the changes in their circumstances, Anne and Captain Wentworth find their way back to each other, leading to their eventual marriage.

Thomas Love Peacock (1785–1866)

Fiction and Short Stories - 6 Chapter Notes | Crash Course for UGC NET English LiteratureGothic Satire

Thomas Love Peacock, a contemporary of Percy Bysshe Shelley and an official at the East India Company, is renowned for his satirical novels and his critical essay The Four Ages of Poetry. In this essay, Peacock offers a humorous critique of Wordsworth. His novels often depict characters engaged in discussions about contemporary issues.

Notable Works

  • Melincourt (1817): This novel introduces an orangutan named Sir Oran Haut-Ton, humorously portrayed as a candidate for Parliament, highlighting the concept of an orangutan mimicking human behavior.
  • Nightmare Abbey (1818): In this work, Peacock critiques the prevailing gloomy themes in literature, with characters largely inspired by literary and historical figures he aimed to satirize.
  • Gryll Grange (1861): Serialized in Frazer’s Magazine, this is Peacock's final novel, delving into the philosophical ideas of its main character, Gryll Grange.
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FAQs on Fiction and Short Stories - 6 Chapter Notes - Crash Course for UGC NET English Literature

1. What are the key elements that define a short story?
Ans. The key elements that define a short story include a concise plot, limited characters, a specific setting, a conflict, and a resolution. Short stories typically focus on a single theme or idea and aim to evoke a particular emotional response from the reader within a brief narrative structure.
2. How does the structure of a short story differ from that of a novel?
Ans. The structure of a short story is generally more compact than that of a novel. While a novel may have multiple subplots and a broader character development arc, a short story focuses on a singular plot and character or two, often following a three-act structure: introduction, climax, and resolution, all within a limited word count.
3. What role does conflict play in short stories?
Ans. Conflict is essential in short stories as it drives the narrative and engages the reader. It can be internal (within a character) or external (between characters or between a character and their environment). The resolution of this conflict often leads to the story's climax and ultimately delivers the thematic message.
4. Why is characterization important in short stories?
Ans. Characterization is crucial in short stories because it helps readers connect with the characters and understand their motivations. Given the brevity of short stories, effective characterization allows authors to convey complex personalities and evoke empathy, making the narrative more impactful.
5. What are some common themes explored in short stories?
Ans. Common themes in short stories include love, loss, identity, conflict, and the human condition. Authors often explore these universal themes to reflect on societal issues, personal struggles, or moral dilemmas, allowing readers to resonate with the story on a deeper level.
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