This genre, which literally means "letter writing," flourished during the 18th century, particularly in England. Here's why:
* Popularity of letter writing: Letter writing was a major form of communication in the 1700s, and people were familiar with the format.
* Intimacy and realism: Epistolary fiction allowed authors to present stories through intimate, personal perspectives. The letters provided a sense of immediacy and realism, as characters shared their thoughts and feelings directly with the reader.
* Social commentary: The genre was often used to critique social norms, explore philosophical ideas, and comment on political issues of the day.
Famous examples of epistolary fiction from the 1700s include:
* "Pamela, or Virtue Rewarded" (1740) by Samuel Richardson: This novel tells the story of a young servant girl who resists the advances of her master. The story is told entirely through letters written by Pamela and her friends.
* "The History of Clarissa Harlowe" (1748) by Samuel Richardson: This novel follows the tragic story of Clarissa Harlowe, a young woman who is forced into a loveless marriage. The narrative unfolds through letters written by Clarissa, her family, and other characters.
* "The Castle of Otranto" (1764) by Horace Walpole: This Gothic novel tells the story of Manfred, a nobleman who is haunted by a mysterious curse. The novel is written in the form of letters and documents, which adds to the suspense and mystery.
Beyond the 1700s:
While epistolary fiction peaked in the 18th century, it continued to be popular throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. Some examples include "Frankenstein" (1818) by Mary Shelley and "Dracula" (1897) by Bram Stoker.
So, if you're looking for a glimpse into the lives and thoughts of people in the 18th century, epistolary fiction is a great place to start!