Sentimental novels

Definition

Sentimental novels are a genre of literature that emphasizes emotion, morality, and the importance of feeling in human experiences. They often feature characters facing moral dilemmas and evoke strong feelings such as love, compassion, and empathy, aiming to appeal to the readers' emotions. This genre emerged as a response to rationalism and often addressed social issues, making it particularly relevant in discussions around moral reform and societal change.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Sentimental novels often portray virtuous characters who experience suffering, leading readers to empathize with their plight and feel compelled to act morally.
2. The genre was popular among women writers in the 19th century, providing them a platform to address issues of gender, class, and morality.
3. These novels frequently depicted the plight of enslaved individuals, using emotional narratives to evoke sympathy and promote abolitionist sentiments.
4. Sentimental literature often encouraged readers to reflect on their own morals and ethics by highlighting the emotional struggles of characters facing social injustices.
5. Key works within this genre helped shape public opinion about slavery, portraying it as a moral wrong through heartfelt storytelling that appealed to readers' emotions.

Review Questions

• How do sentimental novels use emotion to address moral issues related to social justice?
  • Sentimental novels utilize deep emotional narratives to highlight moral dilemmas faced by characters, especially in the context of social justice issues like slavery. By presenting relatable characters who endure suffering and injustice, these novels aim to evoke empathy from readers. This emotional engagement encourages readers to reflect on their own morals and consider taking action against societal wrongs.
• What role did women writers play in the development of sentimental novels and how did they use this genre to address societal concerns?
  • Women writers played a crucial role in the development of sentimental novels during the 19th century, as they found a voice through this genre to express their views on morality and social issues. These authors often used their stories to challenge gender norms and highlight women's experiences in society. By focusing on themes like love, sacrifice, and social injustice, they raised awareness about various societal concerns while also asserting their place within the literary canon.
• Evaluate the impact of sentimental novels on the abolitionist movement and how they contributed to changing perceptions of slavery.
  • Sentimental novels significantly impacted the abolitionist movement by shaping public perceptions of slavery through emotional storytelling. These narratives presented the harsh realities faced by enslaved individuals in a way that stirred compassion and outrage among readers. By appealing to their audience's emotions, sentimental novels helped cultivate empathy for enslaved people, ultimately influencing public opinion and mobilizing support for abolitionist efforts. This literary genre proved effective in making moral arguments against slavery by connecting readers emotionally with its victims.

Related terms

Romanticism: An artistic and literary movement that emphasized emotion, individualism, and the beauty of nature, often reacting against the rationalism of the Enlightenment.

Abolitionism: The movement to end slavery and the slave trade, which gained momentum in the 19th century and often utilized literature to promote its cause.

Moral didacticism: A literary approach that aims to teach readers moral lessons or impart ethical guidance through storytelling.