Why the Novel Matters | Class 12 English Notes

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.

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.

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.

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.