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Sentimental novel

By Esther Lombardi, About.com

Definition:

A sentimental novel is a type of novel, which was popularized in the 18th century. The novel is characterized by extreme emotion, which attempts to elicite an extreme emotional response in the reader.

A sentimental novel may leave the reader with an optimistic and positive outlook on humanity and human nature.
Examples:

Examples of sentimental novels include: Oliver Goldsmith's "The Vicar of Wakefield," Henry Mackenzie's "The Man of Feeling," Laurence Sterne's "A Sentimental Journey," and Thomas Day's "The History of Sandford and Merton."

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