This dissertation traces the development of the novel through a series of storytelling scenes that dramatize processes of construction and response to fiction. Represented interactions between storyteller, tale, and audience open a window into notions of fictionality underlying a framing text and reveal its struggle with genre, style, theme, symbol, character and plot formations. Consequently, storytelling dynamics in a chronological series of texts provide an image of genre formation. Applying this claim to the novel, I trace its development through key storytelling scenes in Don Quijote, Tristram Shandy, Northanger Abbey, Little Dorrit, Lord Jim, Mr. Mani and Como agua para chocolate.
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