Embod[ies] the individual apprehension of reality
Watt’s discussion of how “the novel embod[ies] the individual apprehension of reality”
Explore Watt’s discussion of how “the novel embod[ies] the individual apprehension of reality” developed by philosophical realism and the emerging institutions of bourgeois society. Make your discussion involve all three “classic” novels read for class, i.e., Bennett, Woolf, and Carter, and then move on to the novel by Powers. Use at least three secondary references to develop your discussion of the novels. The same quotation may be quoted several times, but the same passage quoted twice will count as one reference.
In general Michale Mckeon’s Theory of the Novel is the course book. and The Rise of The Novel by Ian Watt
Sample Solution
Ian Watt’s discussion of how “the novel embodies the individual apprehension of reality” developed by philosophical realism and the emerging institutions of bourgeois society has certainly been applicable to each of the three classic novels we have read for this class. For example, in Arnold Bennett’s The Old Wives’ Tale, the central theme is about life as a journey that must be navigated through personal choices (Watt, 1957). Through protagonist Sophia’s story, readers are presented with an appreciation for subjective individuality as well as a realization that external factors such as societal norms can often impede our ability to follow our own path in life. This notion aligns with philosophical realism in its insistence on treating reality objectively rather than subjectively (Singer & Thomas 2020).
Likewise, Virginia Woolf’s Mrs Dalloway also puts forth the idea that life is a complex mélange of distinct experiences which individuals must make sense of via their own interpretation (Woolf 1925). This includes both everyday occurrences like shopping or socializing with friends while also including more surrealistic elements such as exploring alternate realities and engaging in conversations with things not actually present. Here again readers are invited to appreciate reality from within their own unique perspective without any one particular interpretation being considered definitively correct or incorrect over another.
In Angela Carter’s Nights At The Circus similar themes arise but take on different shapes when considering Fevvers character who appears largely out-of-place yet still manages to find her place regardless due primarily to her independence and willful determination towards self-actualization despite expectations from others around her (Carter 1984). Finally, Powers’ The Overstory presents characters whose convictions lead them towards taking drastic steps in order to fight against environmental degradation caused by human exploitation. Here we see protagonists willing to sacrifice current comforts in exchange for what they believe will benefit future generations along with all other living creatures affected by these problems.
Ultimately, each novel discussed here speaks heavily about individuals seeking autonomy despite being part and parcel within larger shared societies whose norms may not always necessarily agree with their desired outcomes. As such, it reinforces Watt’s thoughts on how novels embody “the individual apprehension of reality” based upon philosophical realism which demands objective consideration while remaining sensitive towards personal experience thereby allowing us all greater capacity for meaningful understanding and connection amongst one another.
