The Role of Epistolary Narratives in English Literature

Epistolary narratives are stories told through letters, diary entries, emails, or other forms of personal communication. This style of storytelling has a long history in literature, particularly in English literature, and plays a significant role in how authors convey characters’ emotions, experiences, and viewpoints.

The word “epistolary” comes from the Latin word epistola, meaning “letter.” Though the form can be found in many languages, English writers have made the epistolary novel a unique and important genre.

In this post, we’ll explore the role of epistolary narratives in English literature, how they work, and why they continue to be effective tools for storytelling.

What Is an Epistolary Narrative?

An epistolary narrative is a type of storytelling where the plot is revealed through a series of letters, diary entries, or similar written forms. The characters communicate with each other through these documents, and through their correspondence, readers learn about their personalities, motivations, and the events of the story.

Epistolary stories may take the form of a single letter, a series of letters exchanged between two or more people, or even private journals and other written accounts. The form can be used in various genres, from romance and historical fiction to mystery and horror. The most important feature of an epistolary narrative is that the story is told through personal documents, making the readers feel like they are witnessing the characters’ private thoughts and emotions.

The History of Epistolary Narratives in English Literature

The use of epistolary narratives in English literature dates back to the 17th century, but it became particularly popular in the 18th and 19th centuries. Writers began to realize the power of letters and journals as tools for developing characters and building plots.

One of the earliest examples of an epistolary novel is Love Letters Between a Nobleman and His Sister (1684) by Aphra Behn, a pioneering English playwright and poet. However, the form truly gained popularity with novels like Samuel Richardson’s Pamela, or Virtue Rewarded (1740) and Clarissa (1748), which were both written in letters and focused on themes of virtue, morality, and the struggles of young women in a patriarchal society.

Another famous example is Dracula (1897) by Bram Stoker, which uses letters, newspaper clippings, and diary entries to tell the story of Count Dracula’s encounter with a group of characters. This approach helps create suspense and allows the reader to experience the horror from multiple points of view.

Why Do Authors Use Epistolary Narratives?

Intimacy and Personalization

One of the key benefits of an epistolary narrative is its ability to create intimacy. Letters and diaries are often written for a personal audience, so when readers see these forms of communication in a novel, they are given access to the characters’ private thoughts and feelings. This can make the story feel more personal and relatable. Readers may feel like they are reading someone’s private diary, which can strengthen the emotional connection between the audience and the characters.

Take The Color Purple (1982) by Alice Walker, for example. The novel is written in the form of letters from Celie, a poor African American woman, to God and later to her sister. Through these letters, readers witness Celie’s painful journey toward self-discovery and empowerment. The letter format allows readers to see Celie’s personal growth over time, making her transformation more powerful.

Multiple Perspectives

Another advantage of the epistolary format is that it allows authors to present multiple perspectives on the same events. In traditional third-person narratives, the author controls the flow of information, but in an epistolary novel, different characters can offer their own unique accounts of the same situation. This can create a more complex and layered narrative, as readers must piece together information from different sources.

For instance, in Dracula by Bram Stoker, the story is told through letters, diary entries, and newspaper clippings from various characters. This allows readers to see the events from the viewpoints of Jonathan Harker, Mina Harker, Lucy Westenra, and others. Each character’s personal account reveals different details and insights, building suspense and giving readers a fuller picture of the unfolding horror.

Building Suspense and Drama

Epistolary narratives can also be an effective way to build suspense. Because the story is told through letters or journal entries, the reader is often kept in the dark about certain events. This can create a sense of mystery or tension, as the characters might not be aware of the full picture or may not be able to communicate everything they are experiencing.

In Frankenstein (1818) by Mary Shelley, the story is presented through letters from Captain Walton to his sister, as well as Victor Frankenstein’s letters to Walton. The narrative structure adds an element of suspense as the letters slowly reveal Victor’s tragic story and the creation of his monstrous creature. This method keeps the reader hooked, as they must wait for each new letter to uncover more details.

Exploring Themes of Communication and Miscommunication

Epistolary narratives also allow authors to explore themes of communication and miscommunication. Since the characters are communicating through letters, they may not always understand each other completely, leading to confusion or conflict. These misunderstandings can add depth to the story, highlighting the challenges of conveying thoughts and emotions accurately.

In The Sorrows of Young Werther (1774) by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, the protagonist, Werther, writes letters to his friend Wilhelm about his unrequited love for Charlotte. The letters reveal Werther’s emotional turmoil and his growing obsession with Charlotte, ultimately leading to his tragic end. The epistolary format allows readers to see Werther’s mental state evolve over time, making his descent into despair even more poignant.

Breaking the Fourth Wall

An epistolary novel often breaks the “fourth wall,” or the boundary between the reader and the story. Because the characters are writing directly to someone, either another character or themselves, the reader feels like they are intruding on a personal exchange. This can make the story feel more immediate and real, as if the reader is an active participant in the characters’ lives.

In 84, Charing Cross Road (1970) by Helene Hanff, the entire book consists of letters between the author and a bookseller in London. The letters build a close relationship between the two, even though they never meet in person. The novel feels very intimate because the reader is allowed to witness the ongoing correspondence between the characters.

Famous Epistolary Novels

Pamela, or Virtue Rewarded by Samuel Richardson (1740) This novel is often credited with being the first full-length epistolary novel. It tells the story of Pamela, a young servant girl who is pursued by her wealthy employer. Through her letters, the reader learns about her struggle to maintain her virtue and navigate the challenges of her social position.

Dracula by Bram Stoker (1897) Stoker’s Dracula is one of the most famous epistolary novels. Through letters, diary entries, and newspaper articles, the story of Count Dracula’s attempt to move to England and his confrontation with a group of characters is told.

The Color Purple by Alice Walker (1982) This modern epistolary novel is told through letters written by Celie, a poor African American woman, to God and to her sister. It deals with themes of race, gender, and personal empowerment.

The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky (1999) Written in the form of letters to an anonymous friend, this novel follows Charlie, a high school freshman, as he navigates life, friendship, and love. The letters allow readers to connect deeply with Charlie’s emotional journey.

Conclusion

Epistolary narratives have been an essential part of English literature for centuries. Through letters, diary entries, and other forms of communication, authors have found a way to create intimacy, build suspense, present multiple viewpoints, and explore themes of communication and miscommunication. This narrative form allows readers to connect with the characters in a personal way and offers a unique perspective on the story. Whether in classic novels like Dracula or modern works like The Perks of Being a Wallflower, epistolary narratives continue to play a crucial role in literature, proving that letters are more than just a means of communication—they are a powerful storytelling tool.

The Role of Epistolary Narratives in English Literature

What Is an Epistolary Narrative?

The History of Epistolary Narratives in English Literature