The Narration of a Divided Nation: Reading Brexit Novels as Contemporary Condition of England Novels

The main aim of this thesis is to investigate the newly emerged subgenre of the Brexit novel, identifying its formal characteristics, main themes, and pragmatic functions. Since the Brexit referendum in 2016, many novels have been published that either explicitly or implicitly focus on the Brexit moment. This dissertation aims to contribute to the ongoing debate on this topic, exploring the correlation between the subgenre of the Brexit novel and the tradition of the social novel in English literature, specifically the Victorian Condition of England novel. The two subgenres, in fact, share some commonalities, including an emphasis on social observations and the depiction of a period of national turmoil. Therefore, the study of these novels requires an understanding of the historical, cultural, and social contexts. The early Victorian age and the present moment have both triggered questions regarding identity and social problems. The emergence of literary subgenres like the Condition of England novel and the Brexit novel relate to the contemporary social situation and engage with political issues. This thesis aims to explore the textual forms and the cultural and political implications of a parallel between Condition of England novels and Brexit novels. The study of the two subgenres considers their historical and political context, main themes, and stylistic features, comparing them through a detailed textual analysis and highlighting their similarities. In fact, the two subgenres not only result from a similar social and political context but also share various themes, similar stylistic elements, and the same aims. Both subgenres aim to provide readers with an alternative perspective of society and push for social change and for more empathetic forms of national belonging. By studying and comparing these two literary subgenres, the thesis seeks to shed light on the emergence of the Brexit novel and connect it to a broader literary tradition, understanding its role and potential in the debate about the state of the nation.