Notes on Why the Novel Matters by D.H. Lawrence
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| Why the Novel Matters by DH Lawrence |
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:
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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. -
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. -
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."
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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.
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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. -
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.
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.
