Directions for Question : Read the passage given below and answer the questions with the most appropriate choice.
In the grand tapestry of world literature, the 19th century stands as a period of profound transformation and artistic innovation. It was an era of shifting paradigms and the emergence of voices that would resonate through the ages. The Romantic movement, with its celebration of nature, emotion, and individualism, flourished in Europe, producing luminaries like Wordsworth, Keats, and Shelley. Their verses evoked the sublime and explored the depths of human experience.
Simultaneously, across the Atlantic, American literature was undergoing its own revolution. Transcendentalism, a uniquely American philosophy, championed the inherent goodness of humanity and the spiritual interconnectedness of all beings. Figures like Emerson and Thoreau articulated these ideas, inspiring a generation to seek communion with nature and the self.
The 19th century also witnessed the rise of the novel as a dominant literary form. Realism, with its meticulous attention to everyday life, provided a stark contrast to the Romantic ideals. Authors like Flaubert, Dickens, and Tolstoy peeled back the layers of society, exposing its complexities and contradictions. Through their characters, readers glimpsed the harsh realities and subtle nuances of the human condition.
Furthermore, the century gave birth to the Brontë sisters, whose works delved into the inner lives of women with unparalleled insight and empathy. Their novels, such as "Jane Eyre" and "Wuthering Heights," remain touchstones of feminist literature, exploring themes of independence, agency, and the search for identity.
As the 19th century drew to a close, the Modernist movement began to take shape, ushering in a new era of experimentation and fragmentation. Writers like James Joyce and Virginia Woolf challenged conventional narrative structures, pushing the boundaries of language and perception.
The legacy of 19th-century literature endures, shaping the way we perceive the world and ourselves. Through its diversity of voices and exploration of fundamental human truths, this period continues to inspire and resonate with readers across the globe.
Question:
What literary form saw a rise in prominence during the 19th century?
Poetry
Drama
Novel
Essay
The passage states that the 19th century witnessed the rise of the novel as a dominant literary form.