Question

The novel was based on what writing forms?

A. ancient and medieval romances
B. contemporary short story
C. lyric poetry and ballads

Answer 1

The answer is: ancient and medieval romances.

The novel, as a genre, because its definition boundaries are so wide and its influences so varied (some argue that the novel is as old as ancient epics), is hard to pinpoint as to its origins. However, many would claim that Cervantes´ Don Quixote is the first modern novel, at least as we now know it. This modern form of the novel is, indeed, very much inspired on ancient and medieval romances, which were fictitious stories and long narratives that revolved around knights, honor, and land.

Answer 2

The novel as a form was based on A. ancient and medieval romances

Short stories came much later, while lyrical poetry and ballads can rarely be found as inspiration for novels.