- 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
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Learning Objectives
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Revision 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.
Practice Test – MCQs, True/False
TopMultiple Choice Questions
A.
It is too complex
B.
It makes the audience not want to know what happens next
C.
It lacks depth
D.
It is too philosophical
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
Forster notes that a story can have only one fault: making the audience not want to know what happens next.
A.
Chronological events and emotional significance
B.
Historical accuracy and moral lessons
C.
Scientific facts and philosophical ideas
D.
Daily routines and spiritual beliefs
Correct Answer: A
Solution:
Forster contrasts 'the life in time', which refers to chronological events, with 'the life by values', which refers to the emotional and experiential significance of events.
A.
The ticking of a clock
B.
The growth of a tree
C.
Scheherazade's storytelling
D.
A painter's brush strokes
Correct Answer: C
Solution:
Forster uses the analogy of Scheherazade, who used suspense to keep the king engaged and save her life, to explain the importance of suspense in storytelling.
A.
As an optional element
B.
As the backbone of the novel
C.
As a decorative aspect
D.
As a minor component
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
Forster describes the story as the backbone of the novel.
A.
Its complexity
B.
Its ability to make the audience want to know what happens next
C.
Its use of symbolism
D.
Its reflection of reality
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
Forster states that the primary merit of a story is to make the audience want to know what happens next.
A.
Melody
B.
Perception of truth
C.
Story-telling
D.
Character development
Correct Answer: C
Solution:
Forster emphasizes that the fundamental aspect of a novel is its story-telling aspect, which is the highest factor common to all novels.
A.
They were indifferent to stories
B.
They were engaged only by the story's suspense
C.
They were focused on the language used
D.
They were interested in character development
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
Forster describes the primitive audience as being engaged by suspense, wanting to know what happens next, and losing interest once they guessed the outcome.
A.
Character development
B.
Suspense
C.
Descriptive language
D.
Moral lessons
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
Scheherazade primarily relied on suspense to keep the king wondering what would happen next, thus ensuring her survival.
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.
It is irrelevant to novel writing
B.
It is the only aspect that matters in novels
C.
It is included in good novels along with the life in time
D.
It is a concept only applicable to daily life
Correct Answer: C
Solution:
Forster suggests that a good novel includes both the life in time and the life by values, using various literary devices.
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The Story
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Locked • Full Phase AssessmentStep 3: Redemption Arena
Locked • AI Weakness TrackerTrue or False
Correct Answer: False
Solution:
Forster argues that a novel must have an allegiance to time, as it is imperative for the narrative structure.
Correct Answer: False
Solution:
Forster acknowledges that while the story is fundamental, a good novel also includes the 'life by values' beyond just the narrative of events.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
Forster compares the story to a tape-worm, emphasizing its continuous and essential nature in a novel.
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 argues that the story is the fundamental aspect without which a novel could not exist.
Correct Answer: False
Solution:
Scheherazade's success was due to her ability to maintain suspense, not her descriptions or moral lessons.
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: False
Solution:
Forster argues that a novelist must adhere to the concept of time within their novel to avoid becoming unintelligible.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
Forster defines a story as a narrative of events arranged in their time sequence.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
Scheherazade survived by keeping the king wondering what would happen next, relying primarily on suspense.
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