Following are Smollett’s contribution to the growth of English novel:
(i) He widened the appeal of the novel and imparted to it immense variety by describing the life and manners of different countries. “As a Panoramic novelist, Smollett has never been surpassed.”
(ii) Smollett is the first great novelist of the sea. Smollett is essentially a caricaturist. He excels most as a lively caricaturist. One of the means of caricature which he usually employs is misspelling. The device has been used with great effect in the case of Tabitha Bramble and her maid.
(iii) Smollett was the first English novelist to give detailed description of interior decoration, furniture and other accessories. In this respect, few have excelled him.