The epistolary genre is not as popular as, for example, in the last century, nevertheless, the life of a modern person is unthinkable without it. Although we rarely send letters by mail (meaning Russian Post), we use the Internet and telephone to transmit information, write messages and pour out our souls via e-mail. It turns out that in this way you keep afloat the "epistolary genre".
Epistolary genre - what is it?
If we turn to the explanatory dictionary, then the literal explanation of the concept will be "message" and "letter". The word epistole is originally from Greece. In other words, what you are used to using to transmit information both for the purpose of personal communication and in a business format is the epistolary genre. However, diaries, notes and memoirs do not belong to this genre, since in this case a person does not turn to anyone. The main difference between the epistolary genre and other forms is precisely in the orientation toward the addressee. It must be added that the style of speech is very specific. In the same note, a person will not pay so much attention to details.
The origin of the epistolary genre
- The origin of the epistolary genre takes in ancient times. He has nothing to do with fiction. The first representatives of ancient epistolography were Plato and Aristotle, they were able to expand the capabilities of the genre. The value of the letters of philosophers lies in the use of elements of didactics and journalism.
- Then comes the instructive epistolography of Epicurus. With the help of letters addressed to Pythocles, Menekey and Herodotus, the philosopher expressed his thoughts, but what might be called "instructiveness" eventually fades away. Brief comments by the author become so insignificant that the reader’s interest is rightly reduced. Letters change their appearance to the usual listing of facts.
- A huge contribution to the genre was made by rhetoric. The formal rules and patterns of written language, mankind should be grateful to this particular science. Letters turned into a formality; they became a special kind of verbal art. It is also called fictitious writing literature.
What is the difference between letters and conventional spoken language:
- stylistics;
- brevity (this is especially noticeable in comparison with oratory);
- familiarity, as well as increased emotionality.
Epistolary genre and literature
Epistolary literature as such originated in Europe. The style of the French writers who worked in this genre was distinguished by sincerity, as well as amazing simplicity. A vivid example of this is “Letters” (author - Jean Louis Gez de Balzac), the literary works of Vincent Vuatur. The most famous representatives of the English elite who use writing in literature are John Locke, Jonathan Swift, Walter Scott.
When writing letters in Russia, the structure of the European exposition was completely repeated. The influence of European etiquette is especially noticeable in the era of Peter the Great. The Russian scribe published at this time is the most striking example. Since that time, our compatriots have the opportunity to join in a similar style of presentation.
Novels in letters - one cannot fail to mention this direction. Most likely, if we turn to a more or less erudite person, then he will remember exactly this direction of the epistolary genre. Gabriel Guillerag is deservedly considered the first representative; Portuguese Letters (1669) is his most famous work. Epistolary novels gained particular popularity in the 18th century. From the pen of F.M. Dostoevsky born "Poor people", readers are delighted. Further, there is a decrease in interest in the epistolary genre, but decent work also took place in the 20th century. So, V. Kaverin wrote the novel “Before the Mirror”, and V. Shklovsky was remembered by readers thanks to the novel “Letters Not About Love”.
