Essay Questions

What does E.M. Forster mean when he says, “Since the novel is itself often colloquial it may possibly withhold some of its secrets from the graver and grander streams of criticism, and may reveal them to backwaters and shallows”?

The main reason why E.M Forster is writing the Aspects of the Novel is to help the reader understand the literary devices used in literature in the most convenient way. He argues that most authors make literary analysis difficult for readers to comprehend. He critics the methodology used by literature writers when analyzing the plot, themes, rhythms, patterns, and other aspects of literature. His statement implies that literature analysis can be made simpler and easier for readers to understand without using complex approaches.

Why does E.M Forster reference the work of Leo Tolstoy?

According to Forster, the structure of a good novel must tell narrative occasions and the time they happen. The reader is eager to know what happens next and that is why the novel must be well sequenced. Forster makes reference to Leo Tolstoy because he is among the few literature writers who have written sequenced novels. For instance, the novel 'War and Peace' is written by Leo and it meets all the aspects of the novel because it is well sequenced and all the events mentioned take place at specified durations. Therefore, Forster is making reference to Leo to enable the reader to understand the features of the novel.

What is the difference between ‘flat’ and ‘encircling’ characters in literature according to Forster?

Forster uses the work done by Dickens to illustrate the difference between flat and encircling characters in literature. A flat character has either one or two exemplifying traits in a story. On the other hand, an encircling character is absolutely developed by the narrator. Most of Charles Dickens’ literature works entail only flat or even characters. Forester argues that despite the critics who dislike Dickens’ work, one factor that cannot be disputed that his work smothers a hallucination of humankind that is not superficial.