Novelistic Problems and Solutions
Some Novelistic Problems and Solutions
Here's a quote from this book (from the Case Study chapter on Novels as units of culture):
"The goal of a true critic should be to discover which problem the author posed himself (knowingly or not) and to find whether he solved it or not."
– Paul Valéry
And here's some examples:
Novel
Author
Year
Creative Problem the author posed him/herself (knowingly, or not)
How the author solved this creative problem
War and Peace
Leo Tolstoy
1869
How to depict the vast, interconnected lives and historical events in Russia.
By creating an epic narrative that intertwines personal and historical stories, showcasing the impact of the Napoleonic Wars on Russian society.
Crime and Punishment
Fyodor Dostoevsky
1866
How to explore the psychological and moral dilemmas of crime and redemption.
By delving deeply into the protagonist's psyche, exploring themes of guilt, punishment, and redemption through a compelling narrative.
Lolita
Vladimir Nabokov
1955
How to portray the complexities of obsession and the moral implications of illicit relationships.
By using a sophisticated narrative style that captures the protagonist's obsessive thoughts and the consequences of his actions.
The Great Gatsby
F. Scott Fitzgerald
1925
How to critique the American Dream and the moral decay of society during the Jazz Age.
By illustrating the emptiness and moral decay behind the pursuit of wealth and status through the tragic story of Jay Gatsby.
1984
George Orwell
1949
How to depict the dangers of totalitarianism and the erosion of individuality and freedom.
By constructing a dystopian world that highlights the extreme consequences of totalitarianism, surveillance, and loss of personal freedoms.
Anna Karenina
Leo Tolstoy
1877
How to explore the complexities of love, infidelity, and societal expectations in Russian society.
By weaving together a complex narrative that examines the lives and relationships of multiple characters, highlighting the tensions between personal desires and societal norms.
The Brothers Karamazov
Fyodor Dostoevsky
1880
How to examine faith, doubt, and the moral struggles of a family.
By presenting a multifaceted story that delves into the philosophical and ethical dilemmas faced by its characters, especially through the interactions within the Karamazov family.
Pale Fire
Vladimir Nabokov
1962
How to create a layered narrative that blurs the lines between fiction and reality.
By constructing a novel within a novel, where the interplay between the text and the commentary creates a rich, multilayered reading experience.
To Kill a Mockingbird
Harper Lee
1960
How to address racial injustice and moral growth in the American South.
By telling the story through the eyes of a young girl, Scout Finch, and addressing themes of empathy, justice, and moral integrity.
Brave New World
Aldous Huxley
1932
How to envision the consequences of a technologically advanced, dehumanized future society.
By creating a dystopian world where technological advancements and societal conditioning have eradicated individuality and free will, prompting readers to question the direction of their own society.
Moby-Dick
Herman Melville
1851
How to portray the obsessive quest for vengeance and the limits of human knowledge.
By crafting a narrative that combines detailed descriptions of whaling with profound philosophical reflections, illustrating the protagonist's descent into madness.
Pride and Prejudice
Jane Austen
1813
How to depict the nuances of social class, marriage, and morality in early 19th-century England.
By using wit and irony to explore the social dynamics and romantic entanglements of her characters, ultimately advocating for individual choice and moral integrity.
Ulysses
James Joyce
1922
How to capture the stream of consciousness and the intricacies of everyday life in Dublin.
By employing a stream-of-consciousness technique to depict the thoughts and experiences of various characters over the course of a single day, reflecting the complexity of human consciousness.
Catch-22
Joseph Heller
1961
How to satirize the absurdities of war and bureaucracy.
By using dark humor and absurd situations to critique the illogical and self-perpetuating nature of military and governmental institutions.
The Catcher in the Rye
J.D. Salinger
1951
How to capture the struggles of adolescence and alienation.
By presenting the protagonist's inner turmoil and disillusionment with society through a first-person narrative.
The Odyssey
Homer
-800
How to depict the hero's journey and the challenges of returning home.
By chronicling the protagonist's long and arduous journey home, filled with trials and adventures, reflecting the universal quest for identity and belonging.
The Iliad
Homer
-750
How to explore the themes of heroism, honor, and the human condition in the context of war.
By depicting the epic battles and personal struggles of its characters, illustrating the complexities of human nature and the impacts of war.
Don Quixote
Miguel de Cervantes
1605
How to critique romantic chivalry and explore the boundaries between reality and illusion.
By creating a humorous and poignant story that blurs the line between reality and imagination, offering a deep critique of societal norms and values.
And, you're welcome.
See also: Ev Cult.
And see Creativity Science.
& see `The Problem of the Problem' (Getzels 1982, in R. Hogarth (ed))
