WHY THE NOVEL MATTERS – D.H. LAWRENCE

Notes on Why the Novel Matters by D.H. Lawrence

Why the Novel Matters by DH Lawrence

Explanation of the Essay

D.H. Lawrence begins by challenging the common belief that humans are primarily a soul, mind, or spirit housed within a body. He calls this notion a “funny superstition” and argues that every part of the body is equally alive, as opposed to inanimate objects like a bottle or jug.

Key Ideas:

1. The Unity of the Body and Mind:
   Lawrence questions the distinction between the mind and body, asserting that both are interconnected. For instance, the hand that writes is just as alive and capable of learning as the mind that directs it.

2. The Body as Fully Alive:
   Lawrence emphasizes that every part of the body, from skin to hair, is full of life. Unlike inanimate objects, each part of a living body is interconnected and dynamic.

3. The Novel’s Unique Perspective:

   • A novelist understands and portrays life in its entirety, including both the physical and spiritual dimensions.
   • Philosophers, scientists, and others focus on isolated aspects of life, while novelists depict the "whole man alive."

4. Life and Change:

   • Life is dynamic and ever-changing. Lawrence highlights how humans and their relationships evolve over time.
   • He contrasts living individuals, who embrace change, with those who conform to rigid patterns, effectively becoming “dead” in life.

5. Morality and Relativity:
   Lawrence criticizes absolute notions of right and wrong. He argues that what is right in one situation may be wrong in another, making morality relative.

6. The Novel as a Guide to Life:

   • Novels show how people live authentically and how they deviate from genuine living.
   • A novel helps readers navigate the complexities of life without being bogged down by rigid theories or moral absolutes.

Key Analogy:

Lawrence compares the human body to living skin and blood, contrasting it with inanimate objects like jugs or bottles, which remain lifeless inside and out.

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Summary

In Why the Novel Matters, D.H. Lawrence celebrates the novel as a unique art form that addresses the whole human experience—body, mind, and spirit—unlike philosophy, science, or religion, which focus on isolated aspects of life. He argues against the traditional separation of body and soul, highlighting that life is found in every part of a living being.

Lawrence critiques absolute moral principles, advocating for a perspective that embraces the relativity of right and wrong. He asserts that the novel, by exploring how individuals live and change, surpasses other disciplines in helping people understand life’s unpredictability and complexity.

In his view, the novel is the "bright book of life," surpassing all other forms of knowledge because it captures the wholeness of existence, guiding readers to live authentically and meaningfully.

Questions and Answers of Why the Novel Matters by D.H. Lawrence

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Stop and Think

1. What are the things that mark animate things from the inanimate?
Animate things are alive and dynamic, with every part of their being pulsing with life. For example, the human hand is full of life and capable of learning, unlike a lifeless object such as a pen or bottle.

2. What is the simple truth that eludes the philosopher or the scientist?
The simple truth is that life exists as a unified whole, encompassing both body and spirit. Philosophers and scientists often fail to see this interconnectedness, focusing instead on isolated aspects of human existence.

3. How does Lawrence reconcile inconsistency of behaviour with integrity?
Lawrence argues that humans are ever-changing and cannot be confined to rigid patterns. True integrity lies in embracing this fluidity and remaining authentic to oneself, rather than adhering to static expectations of consistency.

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Understanding the Text

1. How does the novel reflect the wholeness of a human being?
The novel portrays the entirety of human life—body, mind, and spirit—without isolating one aspect from another. Through its characters and their experiences, it mirrors life in its complexity and wholeness, capturing the essence of being alive.

2. Why does the author consider the novel superior to philosophy, science or even poetry?
Lawrence believes that philosophy, science, and poetry only deal with fragments of human experience, while the novel encompasses the “whole man alive.” It shows how people live, change, and respond to life’s unpredictability, making it a more comprehensive guide to understanding existence.

3. What does the author mean by ‘tremulations on ether’ and ‘the novel as a tremulation’?
By “tremulations on ether,” Lawrence refers to the subtle, intangible vibrations of life. The novel, as a “tremulation,” captures these fleeting experiences, portraying the nuances of being alive in a way that no other form of art can achieve.

4. What are the arguments presented in the essay against the denial of the body by spiritual thinkers?
Lawrence argues that spiritual thinkers diminish the importance of the body by treating it as a mere vessel for the soul. He emphasises that every part of the body is alive and integral to human existence, unlike inanimate objects, which lack vitality.

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Talking About the Text

1. The interest in a novel springs from the reactions of characters to circumstances. It is more important for characters to be true to themselves (integrity) than to what is expected of them (consistency).
Discussing this idea, Lawrence highlights that true integrity lies in authenticity rather than rigid consistency. A novel becomes engaging when characters react honestly to their circumstances, showcasing their inner conflicts, growth, and unpredictability. Emerson’s quote supports this, suggesting that rigid consistency stifles creativity and individuality.

2. ‘The novel is the one bright book of life’. ‘Books are not life’.
The distinction lies in the novel’s ability to mirror life in its entirety, capturing its dynamic essence. While books in general convey knowledge or ideas, a novel immerses the reader in the lived experiences of its characters. Ruskin’s definition of a good book aligns with this, as it emphasises the moral and intellectual enrichment offered by novels.

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Appreciation

1. Certain catchphrases are recurrently used as pegs to hang the author’s thoughts throughout the essay. List these and discuss how they serve to achieve the argumentative force of the essay.
Recurrent phrases like “the whole man alive,” “the novel is the bright book of life,” and “life is dynamic” serve as anchors for Lawrence’s arguments. These phrases reinforce his central idea that novels uniquely capture the fullness of human existence. Their repetition strengthens his rhetorical appeal, creating a persuasive rhythm and clarity in the essay.

2. The language of argument is intense and succeeds in convincing the reader through rhetorical devices. Identify the devices used by the author to achieve this force.
Lawrence uses rhetorical questions, analogies (e.g., comparing the body to a bottle), and contrasts (e.g., animate vs inanimate) to drive his points home. His use of repetition and vivid imagery enhances the emotional intensity, while conversational tones and personal reflections make the essay relatable and persuasive.