
The history of the novel is closely intertwined with a history of development—both in terms of 
the individual protagonists and the genre itself. The novel as a literary form has evolved 
significantly over the centuries, reflecting changing societal concerns, narrative structures, 
and aesthetic considerations. At the same time, many novels themselves depict the 
developmental journeys of their protagonists, reflecting themes of personal growth, moral 
education, and self-discovery. In this essay, I will explore the idea that the history of the 
novel is a history of development, using three novels from different periods: *Moll Flanders* 
(1722) by Daniel Defoe, *Jane Eyre* (1847) by Charlotte Brontë, and *Midnight’s Children* 
(1981) by Salman Rushdie. Through these texts, I will illustrate how the novel as a form has 
developed, while simultaneously focusing on the development of individual characters, thus 
mirroring broader cultural and historical transformations.

Daniel Defoe's *Moll Flanders*, one of the earliest examples of the novel, is both a story of 
individual development and an important milestone in the development of the novel as a 
genre. Defoe's novel traces the life of its eponymous heroine from her impoverished 
beginnings to her eventual prosperity. As a picaresque novel, it focuses on the episodic 
adventures of a rogue-like character who must navigate the challenges of a corrupt society. 
Moll’s journey is one of survival and adaptation rather than traditional moral growth, as she 
engages in criminal activities, such as theft and prostitution, in order to secure her place in 
the world.

In terms of its historical context, *Moll Flanders* is emblematic of the early stages of the 
English novel’s development. During the 18th century, the novel was still a nascent form, 
heavily influenced by earlier genres like the picaresque and the rogue’s biography. *Moll 
Flanders* does not adhere to the tight narrative structures that later novels would adopt, 
instead presenting a loosely connected series of episodes from Moll’s life. However, it still 
reflects a significant shift toward a more realistic and individual-centered form of storytelling, 
one that would come to define the modern novel.

Moll’s development over the course of the novel is less about moral or psychological growth 
and more about her ability to adapt to her circumstances. Her success is based on her 
resourcefulness, and her character development is primarily external—manifested in her 
changing social status rather than any deep transformation of her internal values. This focus 
on external development reflects the socio-economic concerns of Defoe’s time, particularly 
the ways in which individuals sought to navigate the emerging capitalist economy of early 
18th-century England.

In contrast to *Moll Flanders*, Charlotte Brontë’s *Jane Eyre* is a quintessential example of 
the Bildungsroman, a novel that focuses on the moral and psychological development of its 
protagonist. Published in 1847, *Jane Eyre* represents a significant evolution in the history 
of the novel, both in terms of its narrative structure and its thematic concerns. The 
Bildungsroman genre, which became prominent in the 19th century, places a strong 
emphasis on the internal development of the individual, particularly the protagonist’s journey 
toward self-understanding, moral integrity, and social acceptance.

Jane Eyre’s story is one of personal growth and self-assertion. Orphaned as a child and 
subjected to various forms of mistreatment, Jane learns to assert her own identity and moral 
beliefs in the face of oppression. Her development is marked by her struggle for autonomy 
and self-respect, as well as her efforts to reconcile her passions with her moral and religious 
values. Throughout the novel, Jane is confronted with various challenges—her abusive aunt, 
the cruelty of Lowood School, and the complexities of her relationship with Mr. Rochester—
that force her to grow and evolve as a person.

The development of Jane’s character is also closely linked to the social and cultural context 
of the Victorian era, particularly the position of women in society. Brontë’s novel is a critique 
of the patriarchal structures that sought to limit women’s independence, both economically 
and emotionally. Jane’s journey toward self-realization is also a reflection of the broader 
feminist concerns of the time, making *Jane Eyre* not just a novel of individual development, 
but also a commentary on the development of women’s roles in society.

In terms of narrative structure, *Jane Eyre* marks a significant shift away from the episodic 
format of earlier novels like *Moll Flanders*. Brontë’s novel is tightly focused on Jane’s 
personal growth, and the plot is carefully structured to emphasize the key moments of her 
development. This shift toward a more structured, psychologically complex form of 
storytelling represents a key development in the history of the novel as a genre.

Salman Rushdie’s *Midnight’s Children* (1981) offers a radically different perspective on the 
idea of development, both in terms of its protagonist and its narrative form. Written during 
the postcolonial period, *Midnight’s Children* is a complex, multi-layered novel that blends 
elements of magical realism with historical fiction. The novel traces the life of Saleem Sinai, 
a child born at the exact moment of India’s independence from British rule, and it explores 
his development alongside the development of the newly independent nation.

Unlike the linear, coherent development seen in *Jane Eyre*, Saleem’s development is 
fragmented and chaotic, reflecting the tumultuous history of postcolonial India. His identity is 
constantly in flux, shaped by the political and social upheavals that surround him. The 
novel’s structure, too, reflects this sense of fragmentation. Rushdie employs a non-linear, 
episodic narrative that jumps between different time periods and perspectives, mirroring the 
fragmented, hybrid identity of both Saleem and the postcolonial nation.

The development of Saleem’s character is inextricably linked to the larger historical and 
political forces at play. As India struggles to define itself in the wake of colonialism, Saleem 
too struggles to define his own identity. His development is not a straightforward journey of 
personal growth, but rather a complex, multi-faceted process of self-discovery that is 
constantly disrupted by external events. In this sense, *Midnight’s Children* reflects a 
postmodern understanding of development, one that emphasizes the fluidity and instability of 
identity in the modern world.

Rushdie’s novel also represents a significant development in the history of the novel as a 
genre. By blending magical realism with historical fiction, *Midnight’s Children* challenges 
traditional notions of narrative realism and linear development. The novel’s fragmented 
structure and its blending of different narrative forms reflect the broader cultural and literary 
developments of the postcolonial period, particularly the ways in which writers sought to 
explore the complexities of identity, history, and memory in a world marked by displacement 
and hybridity.

The history of the novel, as exemplified by *Moll Flanders*, *Jane Eyre*, and *Midnight’s 
Children*, is indeed a history of development—both in terms of the evolution of the genre 
and the individual characters depicted within these works. *Moll Flanders* reflects the early 
stages of the novel’s development, with its focus on external, episodic development and 
survival in a corrupt world. *Jane Eyre* represents a more structured, psychological 
approach to development, emphasizing moral growth and self-realization in the context of 
19th-century social norms. Finally, *Midnight’s Children* offers a postmodern, fragmented 
perspective on development, both of the individual and the nation, reflecting the complexities 
of postcolonial identity.

Through these three novels, we can trace not only the evolution of the novel as a literary 
form but also the ways in which ideas of development—both personal and social—have 
been central to the novel’s thematic concerns. As the novel continues to evolve, it remains a 
powerful medium for exploring the complexities of human development in an ever-changing 
world.
