Towards a Definition of the Novella

Abstract

There is still no acceptable definition of the German novella. The literature on the subject is prescriptive and proscriptive; its generalizations will not bear scrutiny; characteristics are ascribed to the novella that are common to all genres; too little attention is paid to theory and practice in non-German literatures. The history of the novella in European literature shows a development from entertainment to high art; a broadening of theme, tone, style; an evolution from a social game to a criticism of life. The present paper emphasizes the emergence of the long story (or short novel) since the eighteenth century and the tendency of Anglo-American criticism to classify fiction according to length. Four subdivisions are proposed: novel, novella (= short novel), short story, anecdote. The length tells us nothing about essence; it is no more than a convenience. All fiction has the same concerns and may use the same techniques, in so far as space will permit. Recent scepticism about the validity of classification by genre supports the position of this study.