Daniel Defoe (1660-1731):
* Focus on realism and adventure: Defoe's works, particularly *Robinson Crusoe*, are characterized by their realistic depictions of everyday life and the adventurous spirit of the time. He focused on detailed accounts of characters' struggles and survival, creating a sense of verisimilitude.
* Emphasis on the individual: Defoe's characters, often ordinary individuals thrust into extraordinary circumstances, represent the growing emphasis on individual experiences and self-reliance during the Enlightenment.
* Use of the first-person narrative: Defoe employed a direct and engaging first-person narrative voice, allowing readers to directly engage with the thoughts and feelings of the protagonist.
* Influence on the development of the adventure genre: Defoe's works laid the groundwork for the adventure genre, with its focus on exploration, survival, and the individual's quest for self-discovery.
Samuel Richardson (1689-1761):
* Focus on moral and psychological exploration: Richardson's novels, such as *Pamela* and *Clarissa*, delved deeply into the emotional lives of his characters, exploring issues of virtue, morality, and social pressures.
* Emphasis on female experience: Richardson's works are significant for their focus on female characters and their struggles within a patriarchal society. He pioneered the epistolary novel, allowing readers to experience the inner world of his female protagonists through their letters.
* Use of the epistolary form: The epistolary form, using letters as the primary mode of narration, allowed Richardson to depict the emotional complexities and inner turmoil of his characters with great depth and immediacy.
* Influence on the development of the sentimental novel: Richardson's works paved the way for the sentimental novel, a genre that emphasized emotional responses and moral dilemmas.
In summary:
* Defoe focused on realism, adventure, and the individual's struggle for survival.
* Richardson focused on moral and psychological exploration, the female experience, and the power of emotions.
Both authors, through their innovative approaches and the lasting impact of their works, are rightfully considered pioneers of the English novel. They laid the groundwork for later novelists to explore the depths of human experience and the complexities of the human condition.