Final answer:
18th-century fiction introduced the novel as a popular form, showcasing realism, character development, and newer genres like gothic tales. Notable authors include Daniel Defoe, Samuel Richardson, Henry Fielding, and Laurence Sterne. Novels from this period are instrumental in shaping societal values and personal identities.
Step-by-step explanation:
The general features of 18th-century fiction include the advent of the novel as a popular form. These novels often depicted realistic characters and situations, and were different from earlier literature that emphasized classical ideals and aristocratic adventures. Notable novelists of this era include Daniel Defoe, known for his work 'Robinson Crusoe', and Samuel Richardson, whose novel 'Pamela: Or, Virtue Rewarded' spoke to a growing audience, particularly among women who could interpret literature without male interpretation. Henry Fielding and Laurence Sterne are also recognized for their contributions to 18th-century literature, with works that often included elements such as humor and social commentary.
Despite the popularity of novels among the British Atlantic middle and upper classes, it is important to note that few women beyond the colonial gentry had access to these novels. The era also saw the development of specialized genres, such as the gothic tale, with writers like Ann Radcliffe introducing supernatural elements and eerie settings.
Literature during this time is not only a reflection of societal values but also influences readers' understandings of the world and themselves. This interaction between novels and readers exemplifies the importance of literature in shaping worldviews and personal identities. Novels, in particular, engage with larger questions of philosophy and humanity, and can be used to explore universal themes and individual creativity within cultural contexts.