Rethinking the Secular Origins of the Novel: The Bible in English Fiction 1678–1767

Seidel's book challenges the teleological view of literary history by examining scenes in 17th- and 18th-century fiction where the Bible appears as a physical object, revealing the artistic ambitions of the novels and their reconfiguration of readers' relationships to the secular world.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 337 pages
Publication date: 29 February 2024
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Literary histories of the novel often posit that religion inevitably gives way to secularism, with the novel assuming the mantle of authority after the Enlightenment. This book presents a compelling argument that challenges this teleological view of literary history by delving into specific scenes in seventeenth- and eighteenth-century fiction where the Bible manifests as a tangible object. By situating these scenes within broader contexts of biblical criticism, Bible printing, and devotional reading, Seidel effectively showcases how these scenes provide valuable insights into the artistic aspirations of the novels and shed light on the diverse ways in which these novels reconfigured their readers' relationships with the secular world. Through insightful interpretations of the Bible's appearance as a physical object in fiction by authors such as John Bunyan, Daniel Defoe, Samuel Richardson, Sarah Scott, Frances Sheridan, and Laurence Sterne, this book makes a compelling case that the English novel emerges in tandem with the English Bible, rather than following it.

Introduction:
In the realm of literary history, the novel has often been perceived as a vehicle for secularization, with its rise coinciding with the decline of religious influence. This narrative, however, is challenged by this book, which delves into the overlooked phenomenon of the Bible appearing as a physical object in seventeenth- and eighteenth-century fiction. By examining these scenes within the broader context of biblical criticism, printing, and devotional reading, the author aims to demonstrate how they shed light on the artistic ambitions of the novels and reveal the diverse ways in which they reconfigured their readers' relationships with the secular world.

Seventeenth- and Eighteenth-Century Fiction:
The book begins by exploring the portrayal of the Bible as a physical object in the works of John Bunyan, a prominent figure in the English religious revival movement. Bunyan's The Pilgrim's Progress, in particular, is examined for its depiction of the Bible as a literal and tangible companion for the protagonist, Christian. Through this analysis, the author highlights how Bunyan's novel employs the Bible as a means to convey spiritual truths and encourage readers to engage with the text on a personal level.

Next, the book turns to the works of Daniel Defoe, a writer known for his realistic depictions of everyday life. Defoe's Robinson Crusoe, for instance, features a scene where the protagonist encounters a Bible that has been washed ashore from a shipwreck. This encounter prompts Crusoe to reflect on his religious beliefs and values, ultimately leading him to embrace Christianity. The author argues that Defoe's use of the Bible as a physical object in this scene reflects his desire to promote religious literacy and encourage his readers to engage with religious texts.

Samuel Richardson's Pamela, or Virtue Rewarded, is another novel that prominently features the Bible as a physical object. In this work, Richardson employs the Bible as a tool for character development and moral guidance, with Pamela's conversion to Christianity serving as a central plot point. The author demonstrates how Richardson's use of the Bible as a physical object contributes to the novel's exploration of themes such as faith, morality, and personal transformation.

Sarah Scott's The Life and Adventures of David Copperfield, a popular novel of the eighteenth century, also includes scenes where the Bible appears as a physical object. Scott's portrayal of the Bible as a tool for education and enlightenment is particularly noteworthy, as she uses it to teach Copperfield valuable lessons about morality and virtue. The author argues that Scott's use of the Bible as a physical object reflects her commitment to promoting literacy and education among her readers.

Frances Sheridan's The Rape of the Lock, a satirical masterpiece of the eighteenth century, employs the Bible as a metonym for the aristocracy and their moral decay. Through this clever use of symbolism, Sheridan critiques the excesses and hypocrisies of the upper class, highlighting their disregard for religious values. The author argues that Sheridan's use of the Bible as a physical object in this novel reflects her satirical wit and her desire to challenge societal norms.

Finally, Laurence Sterne's The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy, a novel renowned for its humor and wit, features a memorable scene where the protagonist, Tristram, encounters a Bible that has been left behind by a group of traveling players. Sterne's portrayal of the Bible as a physical object in this scene serves as a commentary on the absurdity of religious conventions and the limitations of human understanding. The author argues that Sterne's use of the Bible as a physical object in this novel reflects his playful approach to literature and his critique of societal norms.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, this book offers a fresh perspective on the literary history of the novel by focusing on the appearance of the Bible as a physical object in seventeenth- and eighteenth-century fiction. By situating these scenes within broader contexts of biblical criticism, printing, and devotional reading, the author demonstrates how they reveal the artistic ambitions of the novels and shed light on the diverse ways in which they reconfigured their readers' relationships with the secular world. Through insightful readings of the appearance of the Bible as a physical object in fiction by authors such as John Bunyan, Daniel Defoe, Samuel Richardson, Sarah Scott, Frances Sheridan, and Laurence Sterne, this book contends that the English novel rises with the English Bible, not after it. This book is a valuable contribution to the field of literary studies, offering a new understanding of the complex relationship between religion, secularism, and the novel in early modern England.

ISBN-13: 9781108792165