The development of the novel in eighteenth-century England is often linked to the rise of the middle class and a newfound interest in individual experience. Unlike the epic poems or courtly romances of previous centuries, which focused on legendary heroes and idealized settings, the early novel sought to represent the lives of ordinary people in recognizable social contexts. This shift toward realism was characterized by a focus on the domestic sphere, personal morality, and the complexities of human psychology. Authors like Samuel Richardson and Henry Fielding experimented with different narrative forms to achieve a sense of authenticity. Richardson's use of the epistolary form, or a series of letters, allowed readers an unprecedented glimpse into the private thoughts and feelings of his characters. Fielding, by contrast, utilized an intrusive narrator to comment on the action and provide moral guidance. These innovations were not merely technical; they reflected a broader cultural movement toward valuing the subjective perspective of the individual. The novel became a vehicle for exploring social mobility and the challenges of navigating a rapidly changing economic landscape. By the end of the century, the novel had established itself as the dominant literary form.