Characters are individuals who live a difficult existence and their experiences represent the condition of the social class they belong to, creating a narrative that recounts the life of the most disadvantaged social sphere with the aim of criticizing society.
Novels
Novels are set in the historical context of the author and the stories take place in disadvantaged environments, described with precision.
Social Novel
The social novel is characterized by verism and naturalism, as seen in the work of Giovanni Verga, who narrates the facts in the third person with an external focus or in the fourth person with internal focalization. The intent is educational and introspective, with a contemporary language and style that is faithful to reality.
Psychological Novel
The psychological novel represents reality from an individual subjective point of view, often through the use of techniques such as free indirect discourse, interior monologue, and stream of consciousness. The narrator refers to the thoughts, emotions, and actions of the characters, which are not necessarily in chronological order and are often conveyed through memory and flashbacks.
Examples of Characters
The characters in these novels often live in poverty and are influenced by the relationships they establish, focusing on the psychological and emotional aspects. The protagonists often have ancient grudges and the places and environments are described objectively but filtered through the perception or distortion of the protagonist.
Conclusion
The social and psychological novels provide a critical representation of society and the individual, focusing on the psychological and emotional aspects of the characters' lives. These literary works use various narrative techniques to convey the inner thoughts and experiences of the characters, creating a rich and insightful portrayal of human nature and society.
