Aspects of the Novel

Although this term is colloquial and familiar, Aspects of the Novel seeks to fully define and explain what the novel is and how it functions. Forster begins with a standard definition: A novel is a work of fiction of not less than 50,000 words. He admits that this standard definition is insufficient, though, and he then defines the novel largely by what it isn’t—a novel is not poetry, or history, or drama. While Forster finds this second definition sufficient for the discussion, it is important to note that the book as a whole extends that definition to include the aspects Forster discusses. Namely, a novel has a story that is distinct from its plot; it has people in it—characters—that are distinct from real people because their actions are in service of the plot and the themes of the novel. Additionally, the novel is made beautiful by pattern and rhythm. Finally, the novel evokes universality and acts on the imagination by suggesting or depicting the impossible. Forster says the novel is the most human of all art forms and he believes it has the potential to change human nature itself.