Novelle Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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novelle

[nəˈvɛl ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

literature form

A novelle is a short narrative or a novella, particularly in fiction. This literary form often combines elements of short stories and novels, usually focusing on a single plot or theme. The length typically ranges from about 20,000 to 40,000 words.

Synonyms

novella, short story.

Examples of usage

  • Her latest work is a captivating novelle.
  • He prefers reading novelles over long novels.
  • The author is known for her exquisite novelle.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Literature

  • Novelles often focus on a single character or a short sequence of events, allowing for a concise narrative.
  • Famous authors like Franz Kafka and Geoffrey Chaucer utilized novelles to explore complex themes in a brief format.
  • In the 20th century, the novelle genre gained popularity, allowing writers to experiment with structure and form.

Cultural Impact

  • The novelle has influenced modern short film narratives, where concise storytelling is essential.
  • In various cultures, novelles often reflect societal issues, expressing a snapshot of the human experience.
  • Novelles have a significant presence in contemporary literature, often appearing in anthologies and awards.

Comparative Literature

  • While a novelle is between a short story and a novel, other forms like the 'novelette' and 'flash fiction' also exist, each with its own character limit.
  • Nineteenth-century literary salons often featured novelles, which allowed for more intimate sharing among writers and readers.
  • The distinction between novels and novelles can often blur, particularly in postmodern literature, where traditional structures are challenged.

Psychology of Reading

  • Readers often favor novelles for their ability to deliver a complete story in a shorter time, catering to modern attention spans.
  • Studies indicate that shorter narratives can heighten emotional engagement due to their intensity and focus.
  • The brevity of novelles encourages readers to interpret deeper meanings in a limited number of words, fostering critical thinking.

Origin of 'novelle'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'novelle' comes from the Italian term 'novella', which means 'new'.
  • Originally in medieval literature, 'novelle' referred to new tales or stories.
  • The term became prominent in European literature during the Renaissance period, aligning with a rise in storytelling.

The term 'novelle' has its roots in the Italian word 'novella', meaning 'new'. It refers to a new or recent narrative and evolved during the Renaissance when writers began to create shorter forms of prose fiction. These works often explored contemporary themes and human experiences, providing a contrast to the more extensive classical epics and novels. Over time, novelles became a significant literary form in their own right, influencing various genres and inspiring modern authors. The adaptation of the form into different languages allowed for its spread throughout European literature, including in the German and English traditions, where it also gained popularity among readers for its brevity and depth.


Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #39,046, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.