1. Lack of "High Culture" Status:
* Novels were relatively new: Compared to poetry, drama, and classical music, the novel emerged as an art form much later. Early novels were often considered frivolous or even scandalous, lacking the historical weight and cultural significance of older art forms.
* Novels were associated with the common people: While poetry and drama were often patronized by the elite, novels were more accessible to a wider audience, including the middle and working classes. This accessibility, in some circles, was seen as a mark of inferiority.
* Novels dealt with everyday life: Unlike epic poetry or classical plays, novels often focused on realistic portrayals of daily life, which was considered mundane and lacking the grandeur of more "elevated" subjects.
2. Formal Concerns:
* Lack of structure and form: Compared to the strict rules and conventions of poetry and drama, early novels were seen as lacking a clear form. They were often criticized for their length, digressions, and lack of formal structure.
* Focus on plot and character: Some critics felt that the emphasis on plot and character in novels meant that they lacked the intellectual depth and philosophical insights found in other literary forms.
3. Social and Cultural Influences:
* Religious objections: Some religious groups viewed novels as a source of temptation and moral corruption, particularly those that explored themes of love, sexuality, and social transgression.
* Fear of social upheaval: Novels could challenge societal norms and hierarchies, potentially leading to instability.
4. Shifting Attitudes Over Time:
* The rise of the literary novel: As the 19th century progressed, writers like Jane Austen, Charles Dickens, and George Eliot elevated the novel to new heights of literary achievement, prompting a reassessment of the genre.
* The development of literary criticism: The emergence of professional literary critics helped to establish the novel as a legitimate art form worthy of serious study and analysis.
It's important to note that the view of novels as an inferior art form was not universally held, and many esteemed intellectuals and artists of the time recognized the power and importance of the novel. Today, novels are generally considered a significant and respected art form, and they continue to play a vital role in shaping our understanding of the world and ourselves.