What is a Modern Novel?
A modern novel is a kind of narrative that is built upon new standards of writing. Modern Novel is different from Classical Novel. Classical Novel is known for stern adherence to plot (in some quite opposite), adventurous flow as well as psychological analysis (mostly in the novels of Later Victorian Period). As far as Modern Novel is concerned, it uses modern techniques like Stream of Consciousness by utilizing new psychological theories like Oedipus complex and showcases Modernist themes like war, isolation, psychological and sexual complexity etc.
Heart of Darkness
First appeared in 1899, Heart of Darkness sets the stage to showcase the evil of (Belgian) Imperialism. The novella attempts to condemn colonialism by comparing it to the darkness of the African people and their jungle which corrupt the heart of the ones who come to make them civilized. The novella cites the example of the character of Kurtz who attempts to make people civilize through his eloquent speeches. But ends up trapped in the greedy passion to extort as much ivory as his might permits. His passion compels him to emerge as a demonic figure who is both admired and abhorred by the second narrator of the novella, Marlow. The final message of the novella is conveyed through the dying words of the dying Kurtz, "The Horror! The Horror!" implying that the realization of the evil in one's self can purigate a person's soul.
Things Fall Apart
Achebe is the author who rejects the ideas presented in Heart of Darkness through his novel Things Fall Apart. Heart of Darkness blames Africa for the inner darkness. However, Things Fall Apart suggests that European colonial rule is responsible for shattering the African culture apart. The novel presents a happy life of African people, minding their usual business until they are both physically and mentally disturbed by the English missionaries. The hold of the Englishmen on the minds of the Igbo people is so strong that they lose the capability to resist against the English invasion of the mind.
Sons and Lovers
Sons and Lovers is one of the true modern novels. Written by D. H. Lawrence, the novel showcases the problem of communication in family members stained by the Oedipus complex. The familial problem is mostly created by Gertrude Morel as she verbally fights with her husband Walter Morel, who in return treats her violently. Gertrude is not happy of her martial life and attempts to find a husband substitute in her children, William and Paul Morel. Resultantly, her sons suffer from intense mental conflict whether to love their mother or to love the people of their age. William loses his life while Paul roams clueless. Thus, Lawrence conveys that influencing the lives of sons in the wrong way can lead to devasting results in their own life.
To the Lighthouse
Virginia Woolf's masterpiece, To the Lighthouse, is a novel that attempts to showcase the consequences of familial distancing and how it is eliminated through love and trust. The novel utilizes the technique of Stream of Consciousness. The consequences of familial distancing are shown through James' hatred for his father for not allowing him to see the gleaming lighthouse closely. But the novel also demonstrates how women play a key role in uniting the family. For instance, Mrs. Ramsay not only tries to console James that the weather will be fine the next day, but she also catches the arms of Mr. Ramsay, begging for sympathy. James is truely reunited with his father when Mr. Ramsay shows admiration and trust in James' sailing to the Lighthouse. Thus, the idea of love and trust as a force of reunification is delightfully conveyed through the novel.
Lord of the Flies
Narrated through the creative facility of William Golding, Lord of the Flies attempts to convey the nourishment of evil through the forces of evil. The novel basically stands as an allegory of the fight against Capitalism and Communism through two groups of boys on a lost island. One group is characterized by the democratic outlook through the unity of the conch while the second group is dominated by the personal interest of the group leader and it is to,
Kill the pig! Cut his throat! Spill his blood!
But the devilish lust of the blood is overpowered when Ralph takes part in killing Simon, though unknowingly, mistaking him for the beast. The novel forecasts the idea that the evil beast lies in all of the humanity, just waiting for itself to get overwhelmed by the plenty of freedom.
Conclusion
Judging from the ideas and themes of the modern novels included in the syllabus of Sargodha University, each novel appropriately conveys its modern theme and idea through the characters and narrations that make sense accordingly.
