Modern Theories of the Function of the Novel

Author

Barbara Wykes

Publication Date

9-20-1951

Abstract

The purpose of this thesis is to examine some of the current theories of the function of the novel so that the author and the reader may find some insight into the reasons for writing or reading.The theories which will be discussed dominate the period covering the years from the end of the first World War to the present. This thesis will discuss seven theories of the novel which dominate this period. These theories may be divided into two groups. The theories in the first group discuss the the relation of the novel to society. The five theories which fall under the first classification include two which suggest that the function of the novel is to change society, one which views the novel as an element in the preservation of civilization and of tradition, another which sees the novel as a reflection of society, and one which insists that the function of the novel is to protect society from the dangers of specific ideologies. Two theories which suggest that the function of the novel is to change society are the Marxist and the non-Marxist theories. The advocates of the latter theory insist that the function of the novel is to change society, but they are very careful to clear the novel of an exclusively Marxist function. The theory which views the novel as a reflection of society is a theory which utilizes humanist values but which emphasizes the objective reflection of life. The theory which views the novel as an element in the preservation of civilization and tradition is called here the humanistic theory. The theory which insists that the function of the novel is to protect society will be called the devil's advocate theory because its exponents see that the duty of the novel lies in its making a protest against the ideologies favored by society. The second group of theories which discusses the function of the novel in relation to the individual comprises the cathartic and the contemplative theories.

Degree Name

English

Level of Degree

Masters

Department Name

English

First Committee Member (Chair)

Ernest Warnock Tedlock Jr

Second Committee Member

George Warren Arms

Third Committee Member

Cecil Vivian Wicker

Language

English

Document Type

Thesis

Recommended Citation

Wykes, Barbara. "Modern Theories of the Function of the Novel." (1951). https://digitalrepository.unm.edu/engl_etds/227