Why The Novel Matters Class 12 Important Questions: CBSE English Non-Fiction (Kaleidoscope) Chapter 4

1. What is the central argument presented by D.H. Lawrence in Why the Novel Matters?
D.H. Lawrence argues that the novel is a more vital and accurate representation of life than other disciplines like science, philosophy, and religion because it captures the full, dynamic, and unpredictable essence of being alive.

2. How does Lawrence differentiate between the human mind and the human body in terms of being alive?
Lawrence rejects the idea that the mind is more important than the body. He argues that every part of a living being, including the body and mind, is equally alive, and that the body is not just a vessel for the soul or spirit but an integral part of human existence.

3. Why does Lawrence believe that a novelist understands life better than a man of religion?
Lawrence asserts that religion focuses on abstract concepts like the soul and life after death, whereas a novelist is concerned with the present moment and the actual, lived experiences of people, thus providing a truer understanding of life.

4. In what ways does Lawrence critique the philosopher's view of human existence?
Lawrence critiques the philosopher for prioritising abstract ideas like spirit and infinite knowledge over the real, lived experiences of human beings. He claims that for a novelist, knowledge is rooted in life, not in abstract speculation.

5. How does Lawrence contrast the perspectives of the novelist and the scientist on human existence?
Lawrence contrasts the scientist’s reductionist view, where human beings are seen merely as a collection of parts, with the novelist’s holistic view of life, where all parts of the body and mind come together to form a greater, living whole.

6. What does Lawrence mean by the statement, “the body is as alive as the mind”?
Lawrence asserts that every part of the human body, from the fingertips to the skin, is as vital and alive as the mind. He rejects the idea that the body is merely a container for the mind or soul.

7. How does Lawrence describe the role of the novel in human life?
Lawrence believes that the novel acts as a window into life, offering a dynamic and fluid portrayal of human experiences. The novel, unlike static texts like religious or philosophical works, reflects the unpredictability of human existence and growth.

8. Why does Lawrence consider the Bible a great novel?
Lawrence refers to the Bible as a great novel because, like other great works of literature, it presents a complex and dynamic portrayal of human life, full of changing circumstances and evolving beliefs, rather than offering fixed truths.

9. How does Lawrence explain the importance of change in a novel?
Lawrence argues that change is central to the novel because it mirrors the unpredictability of life. A novel that celebrates change is more truthful and engaging than one that presents fixed and unchanging ideals.

10. What does Lawrence mean by “life is at the fingertips”?
Lawrence emphasises that life extends throughout the human body, not just in the mind. Every part of a person, even the fingertips, contributes to the vitality and essence of life.

11. How does the unpredictability of human nature contribute to the significance of the novel?
Lawrence believes that human beings are unpredictable and constantly changing, and this uncertainty is what makes life interesting. Novels, by capturing this unpredictability, mirror the complexity of human existence.

12. What role does desire play in the concept of being alive according to Lawrence?
Lawrence suggests that desire and purpose are essential for a person to feel truly alive. Mere existence without a goal or desire is akin to being dead, as it lacks the drive and passion that define life.

13. How does Lawrence critique the idea that philosophy and religion are more important than life?
Lawrence critiques philosophy and religion for focusing on abstract concepts like spirit, soul, and life after death while neglecting the importance of living, breathing human beings in the present.

14. Why does Lawrence feel that novels provide a more comprehensive understanding of human existence than philosophy or religion?
Novels provide a holistic view of human life, reflecting its unpredictability, complexity, and growth. They engage with real-life experiences, unlike philosophy and religion, which often focus on abstract ideas or future speculation.

15. How does Lawrence view the relationship between a novel’s characters and the reader?
Lawrence believes that novels, through their characters, create a dynamic relationship with the reader, allowing them to experience life’s complexities, changes, and challenges in a way that no other art form can.

16. What is the significance of a novel's unpredictability in the context of love and relationships?
Lawrence argues that the unpredictability of life and human relationships, as depicted in novels, is what makes love and companionship meaningful. Static or predictable relationships, like those in non-living things, are incapable of creating the deep emotional bonds that make life rich.

17. How does Lawrence describe the nature of the human spirit about the body?
Lawrence believes that the human spirit is not separate from the body but is intertwined with it. He emphasises that both the body and the mind are vital, and the spirit should not be prioritised over the living, breathing person.

18. What does Lawrence mean by "life is in the blood and the freckles"?
Lawrence uses this metaphor to stress that life exists in every part of the human body, from the blood flowing through the veins to the freckles on the skin. Every part of a person is alive and essential to their being.

19. Why does Lawrence reject the notion that the mind is the most important aspect of a person?
Lawrence argues that this idea diminishes the importance of the body and other aspects of being. He believes that life is not confined to the mind but exists throughout the entire human being, both mentally and physically.

20. How does Lawrence's view of the novel differ from traditional religious texts?
Unlike traditional religious texts that focus on fixed moral truths and the afterlife, Lawrence sees the novel as dynamic, reflecting the ever-changing nature of human experience and providing a more immediate and engaging form of life.

21. What does Lawrence mean by saying that novels “court the living”?
Lawrence means that novels engage with the full complexity and vitality of human life, unlike other disciplines that often reduce life to theories or abstract concepts.

22. How does Lawrence believe that novels can guide people in their lives?
Lawrence believes that novels, by depicting the full range of human experiences, provide readers with a mirror of life that can guide them in understanding their own actions and emotions.

23. What is Lawrence’s conclusion about the role of the novel in human life?
Lawrence concludes that the novel is an essential part of human existence because it mirrors the unpredictability, growth, and complexity of life. Through novels, people can experience the fullness of being alive and develop a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them.

Points to Remember From Class 12 English Non-Fiction Chapter 4: Why The Novel Matters 

• D.H. Lawrence emphasises the importance of being "alive" in every part of the human body, not just in the mind. 

• According to Lawrence, novelists have a unique ability to capture the essence of life. Unlike philosophers, scientists, or religious figures who abstract human experience, novelists focus on real, living individuals.

• Lawrence argues that novels are a window into the full scope of life. They are more dynamic and fluid than other texts, offering insights into human emotions, struggles, and interactions.

• A novel brings life to ideas, unlike abstract theories that are often disconnected from real human experiences.

• Lawrence believes that to be alive, a person must have desire and purpose. Mere existence without goals or passions is akin to being dead.

• Novels often explore these desires—love, companionship, wealth, power—and the challenges people face in trying to fulfil them.

• Lawrence concludes by suggesting that the novel helps guide individuals in understanding their own lives and growth. 

• It provides readers with a mirror to reflect on their own unpredictable experiences.

Benefits of Important Questions for Class 12 English Non-Fiction Chapter 4: Why The Novel Matters 

• Important questions provide an in-depth analysis of D.H. Lawrence's essay, helping students understand complex ideas about life, the human experience, and the role of the novel. 

• By answering important questions, students are encouraged to think critically about the distinctions Lawrence makes between novelists and other intellectual figures.

• The questions push students to analyse the text closely, helping them understand the nuanced arguments Lawrence makes about the importance of the "man alive" and the fluid, changing nature of life. 

• Answering these important questions equips students with the knowledge and skills needed to tackle exam questions confidently. 

• Responding to long-form questions encourages students to practice writing structured, coherent essays. 

• The important questions serve as a great tool for revision, allowing students to review all key points and arguments of the chapter before exams.

Related Study Materials for Class 12 English Kaleidoscope Chapter 4

Conclusion

Chapter Why The Novel Matters by D.H. Lawrence presents a profound exploration of the novel's unique ability to reflect the complexities of human life. Through carefully crafted questions and answers, Vedantu ensures that students gain a deeper understanding of Lawrence’s perspectives on life, literature, and the human condition. Vedantu's FREE PDF download offers a structured approach to understanding this chapter, helping students improve their critical thinking, analytical skills, and exam readiness. With the right preparation, you can confidently appreciate the power of the novel as more than just a story but as a dynamic reflection of life itself. 

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