Differences Between Novella and Novel

Imagination is magnificent. Imagination is a magical force. And fiction is born of imagination. Fiction writing is a fictional type of literary storytelling. It is a collection of scenes or events that have been purposefully assembled to explain a particular scenario.

Fictions may be fascinating at times and extremely dull at others. It varies according to the reader. Fiction may represent literature in a variety of ways via prose writings. On the other hand, there is nonfiction, which is opposed to fiction.

Novella and novel are two distinct literary forms. The distinctions between the two have long been contentious. This is because the term novella is not universally defined.

Novella

A novella is a shorter type of literary storytelling that falls between a novella and a short story. It is about 200 pages long and contains between 20,000 and 40,000 words.

Surprisingly, the term novella is derived from the same Italian word novella, which translates as “new.” Novellas were popular in late-18th- and early-19th-century literature. When compared to a book, it is less complex and contains fewer characters and topics. In contrast to a book, it is not split into chapters and may be read in a single sitting. Famous novellas include H.G. Wells’ “The Time Machine,” Antoine de Saint-“The Exupery’s Little Prince,” and Charles Dickens’s “A Christmas Carol.”

By year 1950s and 1960s, there was an explosion of interest in novellas among readers, authors, and publishers. It began to gain popularity on a daily basis. Unfortunately, even today, its meaning is often confused with a novelette, short tale, and short novel.

Definition:

It is a literary tale that falls halfway between a novel and a short story yet is neither.

Length:

It has less than 200 pages.

Word Count:

20,000-40,000 words

,Plot:

It has a more uncomplicated and more concentrated narrative than a novel.

Characterization and Theme:

It has fewer characters and topics than a novel does.

,Chapter Division:

It is a single piece of text without chapters.

Novel

A novel is a fictionalized style of narrative that describes a sequence of linked scenes or events. It is regarded as the longest narrative genre in contemporary literature. It often comprises more than 200 pages and contains words above 40,000.

The term “novel” is originated from the Italian novella, which translates as “new.” Additionally, Miguel De Cervantes, the author of “Don Quixote,” is regarded as the first famous writer of contemporary literature.

Characters and ideas are what defines a book. Novels may also be written in a variety of genres. Among them are thrillers, mysteries, fantasy, romance, and the supernatural. These books are split into segments, and sometimes, whole volumes. However, everyone has an opinion on who is the greatest among the rest. However, “To Kill a Mockingbird,” “The Great Gatsby,” and “A Passage to India,” among other works, are samples of some of the most remarkable works ever written.

According to Ian Watt’s 1957 book, “The Rise of the Novel,” the contemporary novel was born after the 17th century ended. Without question, this book remains one of the finest written in English. It is so elegantly written and arranged.

Definition:

It is a fictional account of a scenario with a standard cast of people, themes, and a touch of reality.

Length:

It usually includes more than 200 pages.

Word Count:

40,000-80,000 words

,Plot:

It has a convoluted storyline that is explained in depth via the use of numerous characterizations.

,Characterization and Theme:

It often has a diverse cast of people and many topics and sub-themes.

,Chapter Division:

Because it is written in scenes, it is sometimes split into chapters and even volumes.

Conclusion

The ongoing debate around novellas is worth considering. This is principally owing to the absence of a clear definition for novellas. They are frequently mistaken for short versions of novels, which they are not. They are, without question, shorter than novels, but they are not a substitute for them. They are classified as a distinct literary genre. They are more condensed and straightforward than novels.

To summarize, the novel and the novella are two different forms of contemporary literature. A novel is more complicated, with many character arcs and topics explored in-depth, while a novella is more concise and concentrated than a novel.

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