Chapter II of Ian Watt's seminal work "The Rise of the Novel" is titled "Realism and the Novel Form.
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In this chapter, Watt explores the emergence of realism as a literary movement and its relationship
with the novel form.
Watt argues that realism was a response to the changing social and economic conditions of 18th-
century England. The rise of the middle class and the growth of trade and commerce created a new
kind of society that was more individualistic and less hierarchical than the old aristocratic order.
Watt contends that this new social reality required a new kind of literary form that could accurately
represent the experiences and values of the emerging middle class. The novel, with its focus on
individual characters and their everyday experiences, was ideally suited to this task.
Watt also explores the concept of "formal realism," which he defines as the attempt to accurately
represent the external world through literary forms. He argues that formal realism was a key feature
of the novel form, and that it allowed writers to create detailed and realistic portraits of everyday
life.
One of the strengths of Watt's analysis is his ability to situate the emergence of the novel within a
broader social and cultural context. He provides a nuanced and detailed account of the historical
forces that shaped the development of the novel, and he demonstrates a deep understanding of the
literary and philosophical debates of the time.
However, some critics have argued that Watt's focus on formal realism and the novel's ability to
represent the external world can be overly narrow. For example, some have argued that Watt's
emphasis on the novel's realist credentials can lead to a neglect of the genre's more experimental
and innovative aspects.
Additionally, some critics have questioned Watt's assumption that the novel is a uniquely middle-
class form. For example, some have argued that the novel can be seen as a more aristocratic or elite
form, particularly in its early stages of development.
Overall, however, Chapter II of "The Rise of the Novel" remains a foundational text in the study of the
novel and its emergence in the 18th century. Watt's analysis continues to influence literary scholars
and critics to this day, and his work remains a key point of reference for anyone interested in the
history and development of the novel form.
Let's dive deeper into the topics discussed in Chapter II of "The Rise of the Novel" by Ian Watt:
Formal Realism
Formal realism, as defined by Watt, refers to the literary technique of accurately representing the
external world through detailed and realistic descriptions. Watt argues that formal realism was a key
feature of the novel form, allowing writers to create detailed and realistic portraits of everyday life.
Characteristics of Formal Realism
1. Accuracy of detail: Formal realism emphasizes the importance of accurate and detailed
descriptions of the external world.
2. Objectivity: Formal realism aims to present an objective view of the world, uncolored by personal
biases or emotions.
3. Individualism: Formal realism focuses on the individual experiences and perspectives of
characters, rather than presenting a broader, more general view of the world.
The Emergence of the Novel
Watt argues that the novel emerged as a distinct literary form in the 18th century, particularly in
England. He identifies several key factors that contributed to the emergence of the novel:
Factors Contributing to the Emergence of the Novel
1. The rise of the middle class: The growth of the middle class created a new audience for literature,
one that was interested in reading about everyday life and individual experiences.
2. The development of printing technology; Advances in printing technology made it possible to
mass-produce books, making literature more widely available to the general public.
3. The influence of literary predecessors Writers such as Daniel Defoe and Samuel Richardson drew
on earlier literary forms, such as the romance and the epic, to create the novel as we know it today.
Critique of Watt's Argument
While Watt's argument about the emergence of the novel has been highly influential, some critics
have raised several objections:
Critique of Watt's Argument
1. Too narrow a focus: Some critics argue that Watt's focus on formal realism and the novel's ability
to represent the external world is too narrow, neglecting the genre's more experimental and
innovative aspects.
2. Neglect of other literary forms: Watt's emphasis on the novel as a distinct literary form has been
criticized for neglecting the influence of other literary forms, such as drama and poetry, on the
development of the novel.
