CBSE Class 10 Social Science: Novels, Society and History NCERT Solutions

In Britain, the rise of a more affluent middle class during the period leading up to the eighteenth century played a significant role in increasing the number of women readers. As families gained more wealth, women often found themselves with increased leisure time, which they could dedicate to reading and writing. Furthermore, novels began to increasingly focus on themes that resonated with women's lives, exploring their emotions, identities, personal experiences, and societal challenges. The depiction of domestic life became a central subject in many novels, a sphere where women were considered to have particular insight and authority, thus encouraging them to engage more deeply with literature.

Robinson Crusoe exhibits several actions that characterize him as a typical coloniser. Upon finding himself shipwrecked on an island inhabited by native people, Crusoe immediately adopts a superior attitude towards them. A key instance is his 'rescue' of a native, whom he then proceeds to enslave. He imposes the name 'Friday' on the native without even inquiring about his original name. This reflects the colonial mindset where colonizers often viewed indigenous populations as inferior, uncivilized, and in need of being 'civilized' by the colonizers themselves. Crusoe's behavior embodies this ideology of dominance and subjugation inherent in colonialism.

The expansion of novel readership to include poorer segments of society after 1740 was facilitated by several key developments. The introduction of circulating libraries made books accessible to those who could not afford to purchase them outright. Additionally, the availability of low-priced books and the practice of hiring out books on an hourly basis significantly reduced the cost barrier. These innovations democratized access to literature, allowing individuals from less affluent backgrounds, who were previously excluded due to the high cost of books and lack of lending facilities, to engage with novels.

In colonial India, novelists often wrote with a political purpose because the novel proved to be an effective medium for social commentary and political expression. It allowed writers to highlight societal flaws and propose solutions, thereby influencing public thought. Furthermore, novels could connect readers to their past and foster a sense of national identity. Given that novels could reach a broad audience across different social strata, they were instrumental in popularizing anti-colonial sentiments and contributing to the growing movement for national unity and independence.

The eighteenth century witnessed significant technological and societal shifts that broadened the readership of novels in Europe. Technologically, advancements in printing techniques led to more cost-effective production of books. Societally, the establishment of circulating libraries and the practice of hiring out books by the hour made literature more accessible and affordable to a wider population, moving beyond the traditional aristocratic readership. This expansion of the book market also meant that novelists were less dependent on aristocratic patronage, gaining the freedom to explore diverse themes and social realities, including the lives of women and the working classes, which further appealed to a growing readership.

The development of the Oriya novel saw its early stages with Ramashankar Ray's attempt to serialize the first Oriya novel, "Saudamini," between 1877-78, although it remained incomplete. The significant figure in Oriya literature emerged with Fakir Mohon Senapati, considered Orissa's first major novelist. His notable work, "Chaa Mana Atha Guntha," critically examined issues related to land ownership and possession, demonstrating that themes concerning rural life and its complexities could hold substantial importance and resonate with broader societal concerns, even in an increasingly urbanized world.

Jane Austen's novels offer a nuanced portrayal of women within the context of early nineteenth-century British genteel rural society. Her works meticulously explore the prevailing social conventions that dictated women's lives, chief among them the societal expectation and necessity for women to marry affluent husbands who could provide financial stability and social standing. Despite reflecting the societal norms of her time, Austen's protagonists are often depicted as possessing independent minds and a capacity for critical thought, frequently challenging or navigating these conventions with intelligence and individuality.