Which adjective describes a work written as letters or in correspondence form?

• A. Epistolary
• B. Narrative
• C. Documentary
• D. Poetic

Answer: (A)

The idea being tested is the term for a work written as letters or in correspondence form. An epistolary work presents its story through documents such as letters, diary entries, or other exchanges between characters, rather than a single, straightforward narration. This format creates a sense of immediacy and intimacy because you’re reading the characters’ own words as events unfold, and it can offer multiple viewpoints or voices within the same narrative. It also invites questions about reliability, since you’re trusting the perspectives and motives of the correspondents.

This is distinct from a general narrative, which is a straightforward storytelling voice; a documentary, which emphasizes factual, non-fiction presentation; and poetry, which is written in verse and often emphasizes line breaks, sound, and imagery. A familiar example of an epistolary work is Frankenstein, which uses letters to frame the tale.