Evelina is a novel that falls into a few different genre categories. First, because the novel is made up of a series of letters—sent to and from Evelina as well as other characters—it can be considered an “epistolary novel.” Letters tend to add realism to a novel, as they capture the voices and manners of people in a specific social setting. In Evelina, Burney proves that she knows her 18th-century, upper-middle-class English characters quite well by deftly capturing how they write to each other.
Evelina can also be considered a “sentimental novel.” A precursor to the Romantic novels of the 19th century, 18th century sentimental novels center sensitive characters who understand the world from an emotional perspective rather than a rational or scientific one. Evelina is an example of one such protagonist, who consistently demonstrates her emotional sensitivity and empathy—unlike characters who perform proper etiquette while hiding cruel intentions, Evelina sometimes makes faux pas while deeply caring for those around her. In its focus on etiquette and manners, Evelina can also be considered a “novel of manners,” a genre that is most commonly associated with early-19th century novels by Jane Austen (who was deeply influenced by Burney).
As Evelina transforms from an innocent and naïve country girl at the start of the novel to a mature and engaged noblewoman at the end, Evelina can also be considered a coming-of-age novel. After leaving Berry Hill and moving to London, Evelina quickly learns the rules of urban society, coming to consistently behave in well-mannered ways while deftly rejecting the countless men who try to court (and harass) her. While many people try to lead her astray—Sir Clement and Madame Duval amongst them—Evelina matures into a sophisticated adult without losing her morality or empathy. That she ends the novel engaged to a kind and generous man (Lord Orville) and reunited with her birth father (Sir John Belmont) is perhaps Burney’s way of rewarding the character for her growth.
