The German Novelle

Book excerpt: Martin Swales explores the interrelation in the novelle of aesthetic theory and textual practice, suggesting that the characteristic mode of the novelle is a specific kind of narrative constellation advocated by theoreticians and practiced by writers. The author’s theory not only serves to illuminate our understanding of the novelle but also advances our knowledge of genre theory. Swales analyzes theoretical writings as if they themselves are literary texts that reflect the age in which they were written. By considering them in relation to seven principal topics, he shows how they share a central concern with cases that are exceptions to the normal social order. The response of each author implies the reluctance of society to have its premises called into question and to adjust in such a way as to accommodate these cases. Swales applies this theory to seven nineteenth-century novellen. Originally published in 1977. The Princeton Legacy Library uses the latest print-on-demand technology to again make available previously out-of-print books from the distinguished backlist of Princeton University Press. These editions preserve the original texts of these important books while presenting them in durable paperback and hardcover editions. The goal of the Princeton Legacy Library is to vastly increase access to the rich scholarly heritage found in the thousands of books published by Princeton University Press since its founding in 1905.