Sentimental novel genre

Definition

The sentimental novel genre is a literary style that emphasizes emotion, individual experience, and moral development, often focusing on the personal struggles of characters to evoke empathy and compassion in the reader. These novels often highlight themes of love, virtue, and suffering, aiming to appeal to the reader's feelings and provoke moral reflection.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Sentimental novels often include strong female protagonists who navigate societal challenges and personal hardships, reflecting the struggles of women in the 19th century.
2. In 'Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl', Harriet Jacobs uses the sentimental novel format to elicit sympathy for enslaved women by detailing their emotional turmoil and moral dilemmas.
3. This genre often contrasts the innocence of the protagonist with the corruption of society, leading to a narrative that critiques social injustices while promoting moral virtues.
4. The sentimental novel genre played a crucial role in shaping public opinion about slavery by humanizing enslaved individuals and revealing their suffering to predominantly white audiences.
5. Jacobs's work exemplifies how sentimental novels can serve as a form of resistance, using emotional narratives to advocate for social change and highlight the plight of marginalized individuals.

Review Questions

• How does Harriet Jacobs's use of the sentimental novel genre in 'Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl' enhance the emotional impact of her narrative?
  • Jacobs’s use of the sentimental novel genre allows her to deeply engage readers' emotions by highlighting her personal struggles and moral dilemmas as an enslaved woman. This style evokes empathy by portraying her suffering in vivid detail, making her experiences relatable to her audience. By intertwining her story with themes of love and virtue, Jacobs effectively creates a powerful narrative that compels readers to confront the harsh realities of slavery.
• What role does moral didacticism play in sentimental novels like 'Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl'?
  • Moral didacticism is central to the sentimental novel genre as it aims to instill ethical lessons within its narratives. In Jacobs's work, this is evident as she emphasizes the importance of virtue and resilience despite her traumatic experiences. By guiding readers through her journey and showcasing her moral strength, Jacobs encourages a reflective response about societal injustices, thus promoting awareness and empathy regarding the condition of enslaved individuals.
• Evaluate how Jacobs's incorporation of autobiographical elements enhances the credibility and urgency of her message in 'Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl' within the sentimental novel genre.
  • By incorporating autobiographical elements into 'Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl', Jacobs adds authenticity and urgency to her narrative, making it resonate more deeply with readers. This personal touch not only validates her experiences but also reinforces her emotional appeals within the sentimental novel framework. The blending of personal suffering with broader societal critiques enables Jacobs to present a compelling argument against slavery that is both heartfelt and urgent, urging readers to recognize and address the injustices faced by enslaved women.

Related terms

empathy: The ability to understand and share the feelings of another, which is a key aspect in the emotional appeal of sentimental novels.

moral didacticism: A teaching approach that aims to impart ethical lessons, often found in sentimental novels as they encourage readers to reflect on virtues and morality.

autobiographical elements: Features drawn from the author's own life experiences, commonly seen in sentimental novels, especially when authors explore themes of personal suffering and resilience.