Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
epistolary novel
noun
/ˌɛpɪˈstɒləri ˈnɒvəl/
Definition
A novel that is written in the form of letters or correspondence between characters.
Examples
- “The Color Purple” by Alice Walker is an example of an epistolary novel that portrays the life of an African American woman through her letters.
- “Frankenstein” by Mary Shelley uses letters to frame the eerie story of creation and horror.
- In “The Perks of Being a Wallflower,” the story is told through the protagonist’s letters to an unknown friend.
Meaning
The term ‘epistolary’ relates to letters, and an epistolary novel unfolds its story through the letters, emails, diary entries, or other written documents created by the characters. This format allows for a unique narrative perspective and often provides intimate insights into characters’ thoughts and feelings.
Synonyms
- letter novel
- correspondence novel
- diary novel
