When the novel made its first appearance in the 1700s why did it appeal to people of all classes

The novel as a literary genre originated in the "romances" that had existed since Medieval times. However, it was not fully-developed until the 1700s. During these years, the first novels appeared, such as Robinson Crusoe and Pamela, or Virtue Rewarded. In these stories, it was difficult for the reader to tell whether a particular story was a true account or a "lie," as stories became realistic. This was appealing to people of all classes because it allowed them to relate deeply to these stories.

the enslaved people onboard suffered from illness with some frequency

the idealization of the rural landscape ; admiration for the beauty of nature ; focus on an individual's inner concerns