Psychological novel

Question 1

Psychological novel characteristics

Answer 1

-Focus on internal experience and perception
-Label created after the fact
-Inspired by modernist critics.
-Response to the felt degradation of external, public life
-“Inward turning”
-‘Rise of psychology’

Question 2

Psychological novel: Henry James phases, influences and work characteristics (4)

Answer 2

INTERESTED IN UNCONSCIOUS PERCEPTIONS AND IMPULSES + EPHIMERAL, TRANSITIONAL AFFECT.

3 phases:
1. realism
2. theatrical attempts and short stories and novellas .
3. mature, late work

Influences: french realists, painting and philosophy, reflector/focalizer.

Works:
- Mainly novels of manners with international theme
- Complex syntax + strong feel for dialogue + dramatic action
- “Scenes” + “traditions”
- Later work: style more complex, between ‘overwriting’ and ‘underwriting’.