William Godwin wrote two separate endings to Caleb Williams. The original and more controversial ending which keeps Caleb as a victim of injustice was not officially published. In the second, and published, ending, Caleb is moved and changes his accusation. The original ending is often included as an appendix in many current editions of the novel. [1]
Caleb Williams is a groundbreaking novel written by prominent English philosopher and novelist William Godwin. Published on 12 May 1794, it is considered one of the earliest examples of a psychological thriller and the first English book to feature a court room drama.
The story revolves around the central character, Caleb Williams, a young man who becomes the secretary to Squire Falkland, a wealthy and powerful landowner. Initially, Caleb admires Falkland and his aristocratic lifestyle. However, as he delves deeper into Falkland’s affairs, he uncovers dark secrets that reveal the squire’s ruthless and tyrannical nature.
One of the most striking aspects of the book is its narrative structure. Godwin uses a first-person narrative, with Caleb recounting his experiences in a confessional style. This technique allows readers to empathise with Caleb’s plight and adds a sense of immediacy and intensity to the story.
Caleb Williams is notable for its political undertones, describing the injustices and inequities of the political and social system in Britain during the late 1700s and early 1800s. Through the character of Caleb, Godwin critiques the hierarchical structure of society and the arbitrary exercise of power by the ruling class.
Despite its revolutionary themes, Caleb Williams was met with controversy upon its publication. Its criticism of authority and exploration of social injustice challenged the prevailing conservative sentiments of the time. However, the novel has since been recognized as a literary masterpiece and a precursor to the works of later authors such as Charles Dickens and Fyodor Dostoevsky.
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