Genre conventions in the treatment of Origins in Great Expectations and Frankenstein

The definition of Realism in Approaching Prose fiction is 'a style of writing that seeks to convey the impression of accurate recording of an actual way of life in a recognisable time and place' (Approaching Prose Fiction p31). Watt maintains that 'characterization and presentation of background' (The realist novel p219) to be of special importance in this genre. In both Great Expectations and Frankenstein the reader is led to identify with the characters' struggles and …

…us to enter the illusion of reality. Bibliography 1.Shelley Mary (1992edn) Frankenstein ed.Hindle, Penguin Books (first pub 1818) 2. Dickens Charles (1996 edn) Great Expectations, ed.Mitchell Penguin Books (first pub.1860/1) 3. Allen Richard, Reading Frankenstein Walder Dennis, Reading Great Expectations Ghen Dorothy Van, On Great Expectations Barthes Roland, The Reality Effect Watt Ian, Realism and the novel form Williams Raymond, The English Novel Levine George, The realistic Imagination (2002edn) The realist novel ed.Walder, Routledge (first pub. 1996)