What literary tradition immediately preceded the novel tradition?
short story?
romance?
fable?
i think its a fable?
The literary tradition that immediately preceded the novel tradition is the romance tradition. While fables and short stories existed before novels, they are not considered as direct predecessors to the novel tradition. Let me explain further:
1. Fables: Fables are brief stories that typically feature animals or inanimate objects as characters. They convey moral lessons or messages. While fables have been part of storytelling for centuries, they are more focused on teaching a lesson or moral rather than developing complex characters and engaging in detailed plotlines. Thus, they are considered a separate tradition from the novel.
2. Short Stories: Short stories are standalone narratives that can contain various themes and styles. They became popular in the 19th and 20th centuries. Although short stories share similarities with novels in terms of character development and plot, they tend to have a concise structure and are limited in length. Therefore, while short stories have influenced the development of the novel, they are not the direct predecessor of the novel tradition.
3. Romance: The romance tradition is considered the immediate predecessor of the novel tradition. Romances emerged during the Middle Ages and were written in prose or poetry. These stories often revolved around chivalry, courtly love, and heroic quests. Romances featured extended plots, character development, and intricate narratives, which laid the foundation for the longer and more complex novels that followed.
So, in summary, the literary tradition that immediately preceded the novel tradition was the romance tradition, not fables or short stories.