This collection of essays from the 1955 English Institute explores the intricate relationship between the individual and societal forces as depicted in the novel. Edited by Mark Schorer, a prominent literary critic, the volume draws upon scholarly analyses of various novels to examine how authors portray characters grappling with social conventions, personal identity, and the broader cultural landscape. The essays collectively argue for a deeper understanding of the novel as a medium for dissecting the complexities of human experience within its social context.

The collection is regarded as a significant academic contribution to literary studies, offering a focused examination of a crucial theme in novelistic tradition. The essays are noted for their scholarly rigor and their exploration of how societal structures and individual consciousness are rendered in literature. This volume provides a valuable resource for understanding the critical discourse surrounding the novel in the mid-20th century.