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In "Aspects of the Novel," E.M. Forster, a renowned English novelist and short story writer, explores the various elements and techniques that constitute the novel as a literary form. First published in 1927, this classic work remains a significant contribution to literary theory and criticism. Forster's approach is engaging and accessible, making the book an ideal introduction to the study of the novel for students, writers, and general readers alike. The author discusses seven key aspects: story, people, plot, fantasy, prophecy, pattern, and rhythm. By examining these elements, Forster offers insights into the art of novel-writing and the unique qualities that distinguish the novel from other literary forms. One of the most famous sections of the book is Forster's distinction between "story" and "plot." He argues that a story is a sequence of events, including both chronology and causality, while a plot is the arrangement of these events to create a specific effect on the reader. This distinction has had a lasting impact on the way scholars and writers think about narrative structure. Additionally, Forster delves into the importance of character development, highlighting the significance of creating "round" characters who possess depth and complexity, as opposed to "flat" characters who serve merely as plot devices. He also discusses the role of symbolism, foreshadowing, and the use of recurring motifs in creating a cohesive and engaging narrative. Throughout "Aspects of the Novel," Forster emphasizes the importance of understanding the craft of novel-writing as a means of appreciating the artistry involved in creating great literature. By examining the various components that contribute to the novel's unique form, Forster provides readers with a deeper understanding of the creative process and the ways in which novels can captivate and enlighten their audiences...
James Joyce
Ulysses
Joyce's 'Ulysses' is a challenging but rewarding read that explores a single day in the life of its protagonist, Leopold Bloom. It's a great example of Forster's discussion of the 'rhythm' of the novel.
Learn MoreGeorge Eliot
Middlemarch
Eliot's 'Middlemarch' is a complex novel that explores the lives of several characters in a small English town. It's a great example of the 'novel as a mirror of life' that Forster discusses in his book.
Learn MoreVirginia Woolf
To the Lighthouse
Woolf's 'To the Lighthouse' is a modernist novel that explores the inner lives of its characters. It's a great choice if you're interested in Forster's discussion of the 'point of view' in the novel.
Learn MoreE.M. Forster
A Room with a View
If you enjoyed 'Aspects of the Novel', you might want to delve deeper into Forster's own writing. 'A Room with a View' is a classic novel that explores themes of social class, morality, and personal freedom, all of which are subjects Forster discusses in 'Aspects of the Novel'.
Learn MoreJane Austen
Pride and Prejudice
Austen's 'Pride and Prejudice' is a great choice if you're interested in the novel as a form. Forster discusses the importance of 'round' characters, and Austen's characters are some of the most well-developed and memorable in literature.
Learn MoreThomas Mann
The Magic Mountain
Mann's 'The Magic Mountain' is a novel that explores the themes of time, mortality, and the human condition. It's a great choice if you're interested in Forster's discussion of the 'plot' in the novel.
Learn MoreVirginia Woolf
Mrs. Dalloway
Woolf's 'Mrs. Dalloway' is a modernist novel that explores a single day in the life of its protagonist, Clarissa Dalloway. It's a great example of Forster's discussion of the 'frame' of the novel.
Learn MoreHenry James
The Wings of the Dove
James' 'The Wings of the Dove' is a novel that explores the themes of love, money, and morality. It's a great choice if you're interested in Forster's discussion of the 'moral' of the novel.
Learn MoreE.M. Forster
Howards End
Forster's 'Howards End' is a novel that explores the themes of class, morality, and personal freedom. It's a great choice if you're interested in Forster's own writing and the themes he discusses in 'Aspects of the Novel'.
Learn MoreHenry James
The Portrait of a Lady
James' 'The Portrait of a Lady' is a novel that explores the themes of personal identity, morality, and the nature of experience. It's a great choice if you're interested in Forster's discussion of the 'character' in the novel.
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