Chapter 4: Why the Novel Matters

Answer. The basis of every novel is its character – plots, plots, twists and turns – all about the characters depicted in the novel. Therefore, the characters must be faithful to their integrity, which is the essence of the characters. If not, they lose their charm and become boring, flat characters.

There are two types of characters in the novel – Round and Flat characters. Flat characters are those that remain consistent in their behaviour throughout the plot. Not a single instance in the story changes them or has any effect on them. While round characters, on the other hand, keep developing throughout the story and create an impact on the storyline. They keep the readers glued to the novel, making it interesting for the reader.

Thus, if every character is flat by following what should be done rather than following their instincts, the novel will lose its charm and become dull. Hence, the author believes, “It is more important for characters to be true to themselves (integrity) than to what is expected of them (consistency).”

Answer. Unlike the other books on philosophy, science, etc., the novel portrays the real aspects of life and depicts life in its natural form for its readers to gain knowledge from them. They acquire several life lessons. Hence, the novel is ‘the bright book of life.’ But the author also points out that ‘Books are not life.’ The novel portrays real-like issues and characters, he means to say that it is not reality itself. It is a fantasy of someone’s imagination which real-life issues and feelings might have inspired. Although the novel portrays reality, it isn’t reality itself. In his work, ‘What Is a Good Book?’, Ruskin Bond says that it is vital for the readers to understand what the author has wanted to convey. This idea is similar to Lawrence, who asks the reader to take inspiration from the novel.