description Caleb Williams Overview
Caleb Williams, fully titled Things as They Are; or, The Adventures of Caleb Williams, is a 1794 novel by the English writer and philosopher William Godwin. Written as a first-person fictional memoir, the story follows a young secretary who discovers a dark secret about his aristocratic employer and is subsequently pursued across the country. The novel serves as an early example of the psychological thriller and a prominent critique of the inequities in the 18th-century British legal and class systems.
help Caleb Williams FAQ
What is the full original title of the novel Caleb Williams?
The full title is 'Things as They Are; or, The Adventures of Caleb Williams.' It was written by the English writer and philosopher William Godwin and published in 1794.
What is the main plot of William Godwin's Caleb Williams?
Written as a first-person fictional memoir, the story follows a young secretary who discovers a dark secret about his aristocratic employer, Ferdinando Falkland. The novel then details Falkland's relentless persecution of Caleb to maintain his secret.
Who is the author of the novel Caleb Williams?
The book was written by William Godwin, a prominent English writer and political philosopher. He was also the husband of early feminist writer Mary Wollstonecraft and father of Mary Shelley.
When was Caleb Williams published?
The novel was published in 1794 during the turbulent period of the French Revolution. Its themes of political corruption and social inequality heavily reflect the revolutionary anxieties of that era.
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