Published in 1893, 'The Novel; What It Is' by F. Marion Crawford is a critical essay that examines the essence and purpose of the novel as a literary form. Written during the late Victorian era, Crawford argues that novels should primarily entertain rather than instruct, critiquing the trend of 'purpose-novels' that aim to impart moral lessons. The work contrasts realism and romance, advocating for a balanced storytelling approach that reflects the complexities of human experience while avoiding didacticism. This essay contributes to the discourse on the evolving role of novelists in a modernizing society.
