Why the Novel Matters | Class 12 English Notes
By ConceptScroll Team · Published on 17 July 2026 · 3 min read
Why the Novel Matters – this guide gives you a concise, exam-ready overview of Why the Novel Matters from Class 12 English, written by ConceptScroll editors and reviewed against the latest NCERT textbook.
Philosophical Foundations: The Living Self
In this section, Lawrence elaborates on the concept of 'man alive'—the living human being as an integrated whole rather than a mere body or mind. He questions the traditional dichotomy that places the mind or soul above the body. Using vivid imagery, he describes how his hand, as it writes, is alive with its own rudiments of thought and sensation. He argues that the living body is not a mere vessel or container (like a bottle or tin can) but is fully alive, with every part contributing to the self. Lawrence criticizes philosophers, scientists, and religious figures who separate the spirit or soul from the body, calling their views 'nonsense' or 'bunk'. He emphasizes that life exists only in the living body, and that the whole person is greater than any of their parts such as the soul, mind, or brain. This holistic view underpins his belief that the novel, which portrays the whole man alive, is superior to other forms of knowledge or art that focus on only parts of human experience.
📊 Diagram: Figure 1: D.H. Lawrence 1885-1930
🔗 Connection: This section sets the stage for Lawrence’s argument on the novel’s unique ability to capture the wholeness of life, contrasting it with other disciplines that fragment human experience.
Frequently asked questions
1. How does the novel reflect the wholeness of a human being?
The novel reflects the wholeness of a human being by portraying the full range of human experiences—bodily, mental, and spiritual. It shows how right and wrong can be fluid and how different aspects of a person interact in complex ways. Unlike other forms of literature or philosophy, the novel gives full play to all these dimensions, presenting characters as complete, living beings rather than abstract ideas or moral examples.
2. Why does the author consider the novel superior to philosophy, science or even poetry?
The author considers the novel superior because it alone can give full play to the entire consciousness of a human being—bodily, mental, and spiritual—simultaneously. Philosophy, science, and poetry tend to focus on specific aspects or abstract ideas, whereas the novel embraces the complexity and contradictions of life, presenting a more complete and living picture of human existence.
3. What does the author mean by ‘tremulations on ether’ and ‘the novel as a tremulation’?
The phrase ‘tremulations on ether’ metaphorically refers to subtle vibrations or movements in the intangible medium of life or consciousness. By calling the novel a ‘tremulation’, the author suggests that the novel captures these subtle, dynamic, and complex movements of life, reflecting the continuous flux and nuances of human experience.
4. What are the arguments presented in the essay against the denial of the body by spiritual thinkers?
The essay argues that denying the body is problematic because the body is an integral part of the whole human being, which includes bodily, mental, and spiritual aspects. The author suggests that life and living involve the full play of all these parts together. Denying the body ignores the reality of human existence and reduces life to inert safety rather than embracing its fullness and complexity.
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