Addison is the pioneer of English novel. Discuss.

Answer

Expound on Addison’s role as a pioneer in the development of the English novel.

Or, Addison is the pioneer of English novel. Discuss.

Or, Discuss ‘The Coverly Papers’ as the precursor of English novel.

Or, “Addison is the pioneer of the English novel.” Discuss. [NU. 2022, 2020, 2018, 2016] ★★★

Joseph Addison (1672–1719) was a leading English essayist. Along with Richard Steele (1672–1729), he began “The Spectator” in 1711. It was a daily paper that shaped modern English prose. Addison wrote about society, religion, and human life. His style was simple, moral, and emotional. His essays gave life to realistic characters and everyday events. These features helped to form the English novel. Let us examine this.

Narrator as an Observer of Society: Addison’s narrator does not act, but he observes. He listens, watches, and learns. He never becomes part of the action. He says,

“Thus I live in the world rather as a Spectator of mankind…”

This shows his quiet role. He is like a reporter or novelist. He describes what he sees without anger or pride. His role is neutral. He visits coffee houses, talks to people, and reads books. Then he writes about life. This method became popular in novels later.  

Realistic Characters like Sir Roger: Addison created one of the earliest real-life characters in English literature. That character is Sir Roger de Coverley. Sir Roger is kind, gentle, and often funny. He has his own habits and ideas. He is never perfect. However, he is never evil. We see him in his home, in his church, and with his people. Addison adds layers to his personality. Like a novelist, he lets Sir Roger grow slowly. We understand his sorrow, humour, and wisdom. Later, novelists used the same technique. Characters became deep, human, and changeable.

Daily Life and Social Picture: Addison focused on normal life. He did not write about kings or wars. He wrote about villages, churches, and shops. In “Sir Roger at Church,” he describes a quiet