Styles of story telling are generally restricted to various viewpoints and moments in time (in relation to the story). However, stories can also be told with the usage of first person and viable sources such as letters exchanged between characters, diary and journal entries, newspaper articles, and more recently blogs and emails.
The Effect of Epistolary Information in Novels
The most forthright effect of an author relying on epistolary devices to tell a story is that they lend the story a certain degree of genuineness and authenticity. In essence, the epistolary novel almost feels entirely removed any direct degree of story telling and almost voyeuristic from a reader's standpoint. An element of realism is imparted to the novel as a result of research considered to be primary source, which often lends the narrator an omnipresence throughout the novel.
Popular Epistolary Novels Throughout History
Because of its unique styling, epistolary story telling has been used for novels across many genres including classics, horror, drama, young adult and popular fiction.
- Clarissa by Samuel Richardson, 1749. In Richardson's novel, which has been classified as the longest novel written in English (exceeding 1500 pages), Clarissa Harlow struggles with the attempted seduction from the rake Lovelace who wants to get his hands on her newly acquired inheritance, a family trying to use her to elevate their social status and escape from the traditional role of women in society all with the most tragic of consequences. Clarissa is told through a series of letters between characters, making it one of the earliest epistolary novels written.
- Dangerous Liaisons by Choderlos de Laclos, 1782. Dangerous Liaisons is recognized mainly for its plot themes of seduction, revenge, trickery, jealousy and libertinism. The Marquise de Merteuil convinces Valmont to seduce the virginal Ceclile as a way to exact revenge on her jilted lover (Cecile's would-be husband), though in the process Valmont genuinely falls in love with Cecile and Merteuil's jealous antics ensue. Though the novel is told in the form of letters exchanged between all the characters, the most notable exchange occurs between Valmont and the Marquise.
- Dracula by Bram Stoker, 1897. Possibly the most well known vampire novel, Bram Stoker's Dracula in part tells the story of Van Helsing and how he becomes privy to the workings of vampires and ultimately how to destroy them. Dracula is told through the use of diary entries, letters, newspaper articles, the log of a ship and phonographic recordings, making it a prime example of a Victorian-era epistolary novel.
- The Color Purple by Alice Walker, 1983. A favorite of book clubs, The Color Purple tells the story of fourteen-year-old Celie whose diary entries and letters capture the abusive and neglect she endures by both her father and husband. Celie mostly corresponds with her sister Nettie, though she also converses with God on occasion. Through the progression of the novel, Celie is able to find the strength and perseverance that she needs to survive and ultimately thrive despite her past.
- The Perks of Being A Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky, 1999. The modern day angst-ridden young adult novel loved by teens and adults alike, The Perks of Being A Wallflower, tells the story of a teenager named Charlie. The book is written in the form of letters from Charlie to an unnamed friend and touches on topics such as drug use, sexuality, suicide and makes many references to popular books, movies and music.
Through the use of personal correspondence, an author is able to clearly portray his characters to readers by showing their personalities and mannerisms. This in turn gives the reader a sense of intimacy and familiarity with the characters.
Lisa Rufle - If I had to describe myself in one word, it would easily be: curious. So as a natural extension of my curiosity, reading is my life's ...
