- Understand the fundamental aspect of the novel as its story-telling aspect.
- Analyze the significance of time in the narration of a story.
- Discuss the relationship between daily life and the narrative structure of novels.
- Explore the concept of suspense as a literary tool in storytelling.
- Examine the dual allegiance of life in time and life by values as presented in novels.
The Story
Learning Objectives
TopRevision Notes & Summary
TopThe Story
Fundamental Aspect of the Novel
- The fundamental aspect of the novel is its story-telling aspect.
- Different perspectives on what a novel does:
- First Voice: Vague and indifferent, sees a novel as simply telling a story.
- Second Voice: Aggressive and straightforward, emphasizes the importance of a good story.
- Third Voice: Reflective and regretful, acknowledges the necessity of storytelling in novels.
Allegiance to Time
- Novels have an imperative allegiance to time; they cannot deny it.
- Daily life may not require this allegiance, as shown by mystics' experiences.
- Examples of authors manipulating time in novels:
- Emily Bronte: Tried to hide the clock in Wuthering Heights.
- Sterne: Turned the clock upside down in Tristram Shandy.
- Marcel Proust: Altered the hands of the clock to create simultaneous events.
The Nature of Story
- A story is a narrative of events arranged in time sequence.
- The story's merit lies in making the audience want to know what happens next.
- The story can fail if it does not engage the audience's curiosity.
Life in Time vs. Life by Values
- Daily life consists of two aspects:
- Life in Time: Events occur in a sequence.
- Life by Values: Measured by intensity rather than time.
- Example: "I only saw her for five minutes, but it was worth it" reflects both allegiances.
Conclusion
- The story is the backbone of a novel, essential for its existence.
- It connects to human curiosity and the need for suspense, as illustrated by Scheherazade's tale.
Exam Tips & Common Mistakes
TopCommon Mistakes and Exam Tips
Common Pitfalls
- Vagueness in Understanding Novels: Students often provide vague answers about what a novel does, failing to articulate the significance of storytelling.
- Ignoring the Importance of Time: Many overlook the imperative role of time in a novel's structure, which can lead to misunderstandings of the narrative.
- Neglecting the Role of Suspense: Failing to recognize how suspense drives the narrative can result in a lack of appreciation for the author's craft.
Tips for Success
- Be Specific: When discussing novels, provide clear definitions and examples of how storytelling functions within the text.
- Focus on Time: Always consider how time influences the events in a novel and the reader's experience.
- Analyze Suspense: Pay attention to how authors create suspense and how it affects character development and plot progression.
Practice Test – MCQs, True/False
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Multiple Choice Questions
A.
Its story-telling aspect
B.
Its character development
C.
Its thematic depth
D.
Its linguistic style
Correct Answer: A
Solution:
Forster emphasizes that the fundamental aspect of a novel is its story-telling aspect, as it is the backbone of the narrative.
A.
A narrative of events arranged randomly
B.
A narrative of events arranged in their time sequence
C.
A narrative of events arranged by importance
D.
A narrative of events arranged by location
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
Forster defines a story as a narrative of events arranged in their time sequence.
A.
A narrative focused solely on chronological events
B.
A narrative that includes themes measured by intensity rather than time
C.
A narrative that excludes emotional depth
D.
True or False
Correct Answer: False
Solution:
Forster describes the story as the simplest and lowest literary organism, despite being a fundamental part of novels.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
Forster argues that a novelist must adhere to the sequence of time within a novel, as it is integral to the narrative structure.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
Scheherazade survived by keeping the king in suspense, which was her main strategy to avoid execution.
Correct Answer: False
Solution:
Forster describes the story as the lowest and simplest of literary organisms, despite being the highest factor common to all novels.
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