* Everyday life and ordinary people: Unlike epic poetry or plays, which often focused on heroes and mythical figures, early novels often depicted the lives of common people, their struggles, and their relationships. This was a new and groundbreaking approach to storytelling.
* Social and political issues: The novel was used to explore and comment on social and political issues of the time. It provided a platform for authors to express their views on topics such as class inequality, religious hypocrisy, and the changing social landscape.
* Personal journeys and self-discovery: Many early novels focused on the inner lives of characters, their experiences, and their journeys of self-discovery. This emphasis on individual psychology and personal growth was a significant development in literary history.
Some key examples of early novels and their themes include:
* "Don Quixote" (1605) by Miguel de Cervantes: Satirizes the ideals of chivalry and explores the nature of reality vs. illusion.
* "Pamela" (1740) by Samuel Richardson: Deals with issues of seduction, virtue, and female agency.
* "Robinson Crusoe" (1719) by Daniel Defoe: Focuses on a man's survival in a harsh environment, exploring themes of resourcefulness and resilience.
It's important to note that these themes often overlapped and intertwined in early novels, as they explored the complexities of human experience and the world around them.