Genre, Style & Literary Form: Leviathan

What Genre Is Leviathan?

Leviathan belongs to the genre(s) of Philosophy. Understanding genre helps readers recognise the conventions Thomas Hobbes is working within — and where the text deliberately subverts or transcends them.

Narrative Style

Thomas Hobbes's narrative style in Leviathan is characterised by a distinctive voice that balances description, dialogue, and authorial commentary. The prose style reflects the literary conventions of 1651 while also innovating in significant ways.

Point of View

The choice of narrative perspective in Leviathan fundamentally shapes the reader's experience. Whether first-person, third-person limited, or omniscient, the point of view controls what information is revealed and when.

Structure

The structural organisation of Leviathan — its chapters, parts, and narrative arcs — reflects the thematic concerns of the work. The pacing of revelation and resolution is carefully engineered to produce specific emotional and intellectual effects.