# Aspects of the Novel explained — Aspects of the Novel

> Chapter companion for Aspects of the Novel by E. M. Forster.

## What happens

Forster introduces the Clark Lectureship and sets the stage for his exploration of the novel as an art form. He defines story as a narrative of events arranged in time sequence, using Scheherazade's suspense as a key example. He distinguishes between story and plot, where plot adds causality, and introduces the concepts of flat and round characters, fantasy, prophecy, pattern, and rhythm. The chapter concludes with a reflection on the relationship between art and history, asserting that art stands still while history develops.

## Themes in this chapter

### The Nature of Storytelling

Forster defines story as a time-sequence narrative and explores its fundamental role in the novel, using Scheherazade as a key example of suspense.

### Art, Pattern, and Rhythm

Forster introduces pattern and rhythm as aesthetic aspects of the novel, analyzing The Ambassadors for its hourglass pattern and discussing the musical quality of rhythm in fiction.

## Character check-ins

### Unknown Narrator

The narrator and lecturer, reflecting on the nature of the novel and its criticism.

### Scheherazade

Used as the prime example of suspense in storytelling, keeping the king alive through narrative.

### Henry James

Referenced in the discussion of plot and causality, particularly through the analysis of The Ambassadors.

### Aristotle

Mentioned in the context of defining plot and the distinction between story and plot.

### Marcel Proust

Referenced in the discussion of time and memory, particularly in relation to the novel's treatment of time.

## Key lines

> The king, Scheherazade, her sister, the vizier, and the vizier's daughter are the only characters in the story.

Forster notes that the cast of characters in the Scheherazade tale is very limited.

_Illustrates the simplicity of early narrative structures._

> We have defined a story as a narrative of events arranged in their time-sequence. A plot is also a narrative of events, the emphasis falling on causality.

Forster distinguishes between story (events in time order) and plot (events connected by cause and effect).

_Key distinction in narrative theory._

> The plot, then, is the novel in its logical and intellectual aspect. It may be complicated, but it must be plausible.

Forster asserts that plot represents the logical and intellectual dimension of the novel, requiring plausibility even when complex.

_Emphasizes the rational structure of plot._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/aspects_of_the_novel_se/chapters/aspects-of-the-novel
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/aspects_of_the_novel_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/aspects_of_the_novel_se/chapters