E.M. Forster’s essay The Story—featured in his lecture series Aspects of the Novel—is a witty, reflective exploration of what makes storytelling essential to fiction. Forster delves deep into the elements that constitute a good story, emphasizing the importance of characters, plot, and emotional resonance. He artfully critiques various narrative techniques and highlights how these components work together to create a compelling tale that resonates with readers on multiple levels. Through his insightful analysis, Forster not only engages with the mechanics of storytelling but also invites us to consider the profound impact that well-crafted narratives have on society and culture, ultimately underscoring the timeless nature of fiction as both an art form and a means of personal expression. Here’s a clear and engaging summary:
Three Perspectives on Storytelling
Forster opens with three imagined voices answering the question: “What does a novel do?” Each voice offers a unique perspective, diving deep into the essence of storytelling and the intricate layers that novels embody. The first voice suggests that a novel acts as a mirror, reflecting the complexities of human experience, while the second voice posits that it serves as a vehicle for escapism, transporting readers to worlds beyond their imagination. Finally, the third voice contemplates the novel’s role in evoking empathy and understanding among diverse cultures, highlighting how narratives bridge gaps between differing life experiences. Through these dialogues, Forster invites readers to ponder the multifaceted purpose of literature in shaping our understanding of the world and ourselves.
Casual voice: A novel simply tells a story—no big deal, right? But think about it for a second: it weaves together a tapestry of characters, emotions, and experiences that can resonate on so many levels. It invites readers into different worlds, allowing them to explore complex themes and relatable situations. Each page can hold the power to inspire, provoke thought, and even evoke laughter or tears, turning a simple tale into a profound journey that impacts lives long after the last chapter is read.
Straightforward voice: Insists storytelling is the novel’s main purpose, serving as the backbone that holds the narrative together. Through engaging characters and intricate plots, a compelling story not only captivates readers but also immerses them in a world of imagination and emotion. In this way, the act of storytelling transcends mere entertainment, as it explores deeper themes and truths about the human experience, ultimately forging a connection between the author and the reader that can resonate on multiple levels.
Reflective voice (Forster’s own): Admits storytelling is necessary for human connection and understanding, recognizing that narratives weave together the fabric of our shared experiences. However, he expresses a wistful desire that novels could be constructed on something nobler—perhaps ideals that transcend ordinary life and elevate the human spirit, exploring profound themes of morality, beauty, and truth. This longing points to a deeper yearning for literature to inspire and provoke thought, leading readers towards a richer, more meaningful existence.
What Is a Story?
Defined as a sequence of events arranged in time—e.g., breakfast before dinner—this concept underscores the importance of temporal order in our daily lives, influencing not only our meal schedules but also our broader routines and activities throughout the day. Understanding this progression allows us to create a structure within which we can plan and execute our tasks effectively, ensuring that we allocate appropriate time for each activity, from the nourishing start of our day with breakfast to the more elaborate evening meal that serves as a social gathering point for family or friends. The notion of sequencing in time also applies to various aspects of life, from the timelines of historical events to the gradual unfolding of a narrative in literature.
Its sole virtue is keeping the reader curious: “What happens next?” This simple question is a powerful tool that propels the narrative forward, drawing the reader deeper into the unfolding story. Each twist and turn in the plot ignites a new spark of intrigue, making it nearly impossible to set the book down. The anticipation builds with every page turn, as the reader is not just a passive observer but an active participant, eager to piece together the clues and unravel the mysteries that lie ahead.
Forster calls it the “lowest and simplest” element of a novel—like a backbone or even a tape-worm that supports richer elements like character, theme, and style. This fundamental aspect serves as the underlying structure, essential for providing stability and coherence throughout the narrative. Just as a spine supports the human body, this core element carries the weight of character development and thematic exploration, silently guiding the reader through the intricacies of the plot. Additionally, it acts as a conduit for the author’s unique stylistic choices, weaving together disparate threads into a cohesive whole, ultimately enriching the reader’s experience and engagement with the text.
Historical Roots
Storytelling is ancient and primal, tied to survival and suspense, serving as a vital tool for passing down knowledge and history from generation to generation; it engages our emotions, sparks our imaginations, and fosters community, as people gather around fires or in cozy corners to share tales that can evoke laughter, fear, or empathy, illustrating the complexities of the human experience and reminding us of our shared humanity.
He references Scheherazade from The Arabian Nights, who kept her tyrannical husband curious to avoid execution—proving suspense can be life-saving. Through the art of storytelling, she spun tales so captivating that each night left him yearning for more, postponing her fate while showcasing the power of narrative. This clever strategy not only demonstrated her quick wit and intelligence but also illuminated the profound impact that suspenseful storytelling can have in moments of dire circumstance. By weaving intricate plots and cliffhangers, Scheherazade turned her precarious situation into an opportunity, illustrating how curiosity and anticipation can serve as tools for survival in the most threatening of environments.
Time vs. Values
Forster contrasts two distinct concepts of time: • “Life in time”: This refers to the sequence of chronological events that unfold in our lives, illustrating how moments are interconnected and influence one another, emphasizing the linear progression of hours, days, and years that shape our experiences and perceptions. Through this lens, we can appreciate how past events inform the present, allowing us to learn, grow, and make decisions that affect our future trajectories.
“Life by values”: Emotional or moral significance can be understood as the guiding principles that dictate our actions and decisions in various aspects of life. These values shape our identity and influence our relationships, providing a framework through which we interpret our experiences and interactions with others. By prioritizing what truly matters, we cultivate a deeper sense of purpose and fulfillment, which significantly enhances our emotional well-being. Embracing values not only fosters personal growth but also strengthens our moral compass, encouraging us to navigate complex situations with integrity and compassion. Ultimately, the emotional or moral significance of living by values serves as a cornerstone for building a meaningful and authentic life.
Novels must follow time to be coherent, but great authors (like Emily Brontë and Proust) manipulate time creatively to deepen meaning. They skillfully weave intricate narratives that not only move forward but often ebb and flow through memories and flashbacks, capturing the essence of their characters’ emotions and experiences. By employing techniques such as non-linear storytelling and temporal shifts, these writers invite readers to engage with the text on a deeper level, transforming a simple chronological progression into a rich tapestry of interconnected moments that resonate far beyond the confines of time itself. This innovative use of time not only enhances character development but also encourages readers to reflect on the complexity of human experience and the profound impact of our past on our present and future.
Final Thought
Forster concludes that while the story may be the least noble part of a novel, it’s indispensable. It provides the structure upon which all finer literary elements grow, akin to the scaffolding of a grand building supporting intricate designs and beautiful details. Without this fundamental narrative framework, characters would lack direction and purpose, themes would struggle to emerge, and readers would find it challenging to connect with the text. The story serves as a crucial foundation that allows deeper explorations of emotion, philosophy, and human experience, making it not just important but essential to the overall impact of the novel.
It’s like Forster is saying: “Don’t underestimate the power of ‘what happens next’—it’s the heartbeat of fiction.” As readers, we are drawn into the story through the suspense and anticipation that each twist and turn brings. Every moment of tension, every unforeseen development propels us further into the narrative, urging us to turn the page. It is in these unpredictable sequences that the essence of storytelling lies, captivating our imagination and inviting us to experience the complex tapestry of emotions that only a well-crafted plot can provide. The intricacies of ‘what happens next’ ensure that we remain engaged and invested, transforming mere words on a page into a vibrant world full of possibilities.