CBSE Class 12 Kaleidoscope NCERT Solutions: Chapter 17 - Why the Novel Matters

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NCERT Solutions PDF Class 12 PDF

This chapter, "Why the Novel Matters," delves into the profound significance of the novel as a literary form. It explores how novels capture the entirety of human experience, reflecting the wholeness of a life in a way that other disciplines like philosophy, science, and poetry may not. The solutions explain the author's perspective on the novel's unique ability to represent life's complexities and the 'tremulation on ether' it creates. It also addresses the novel's role in validating the physical existence against spiritual denials and the importance of character integrity over mere consistency. These solutions are designed to help students grasp the core arguments and appreciate the novel's enduring relevance, aiding in their exam revision.

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BoardCBSE
ClassClass 12
SubjectKaleidoscope
Session2026
LanguageEnglish
TypeNCERT Solutions
ChapterChapter 17

Chapter summary

Chapter 17, "Why the Novel Matters," focuses on the unique position of the novel in literature and life. The NCERT Solutions provided here break down the essay's arguments about the novel's ability to represent life's totality, its superiority over other forms of knowledge, and its validation of the physical self. It clarifies concepts like 'tremulation on ether' and discusses the importance of character integrity. The solutions also analyze the essay's structure, identifying key phrases and rhetorical devices used to strengthen the author's points, making it a valuable resource for understanding the chapter's essence.

Learning outcomes

  • Understand the novel's role in reflecting the wholeness of human life.
  • Analyze the author's arguments for the novel's superiority over philosophy, science, and poetry.
  • Explain the concept of 'tremulation on ether' as applied to the novel.
  • Identify the arguments supporting the validation of the physical body in the novel.
  • Differentiate between character integrity and consistency.
  • Recognize the function of recurring phrases and rhetorical devices in strengthening an essay's argument.

Topics covered

Paper topics

  • The wholeness of life in novels
  • Novel vs. philosophy, science, and poetry
  • Concept of 'Tremulation on ether'
  • Validation of the physical body
  • Character integrity vs. consistency
  • The novel as the 'bright book of life'
  • Distinction between books and life
  • Analysis of rhetorical devices
  • Use of catch phrases in argumentation
  • The importance of the novel

Important topics

  • The novel's reflection of life's wholeness
  • Arguments for the novel's superiority
  • Character integrity and its significance
  • Rhetorical devices and argumentative force
  • The novel's validation of physical existence

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Questions and Solutions

Understanding the text

How does the novel reflect the wholeness of a life?
Solution: The novel reflects the wholeness of a life by encompassing the entirety of human experience, including its complexities, contradictions, and nuances. Unlike more specialized disciplines, a novel can delve into the multifaceted nature of an individual's journey, portraying their thoughts, emotions, actions, and the circumstances that shape them over time. It presents a complete picture, showing how different aspects of a person's life—physical, emotional, social, and spiritual—interconnect to form a unified whole, thus mirroring the comprehensive nature of existence itself.

Understanding the text

1. Why does the author consider the novels superior to philosophy, science and even poetry?
Solution: The author considers novels superior because they offer a more complete and holistic representation of life than philosophy, science, or poetry. Philosophy often deals with abstract ideas, science with empirical facts, and poetry with intense emotional expression or imagery. Novels, however, integrate all these aspects—ideas, facts, emotions, and experiences—into a comprehensive narrative that mirrors the full spectrum of human existence. They capture the 'wholeness of a life,' providing a richer, more encompassing understanding that the other disciplines, by their nature, may not achieve.

Understanding the text

2. What does the author mean by 'Tremulation on ether' and the novel as a Tremulation?
Solution: The phrase 'Tremulation on ether' refers to a subtle, pervasive, and almost imperceptible influence or vibration that affects the very fabric of existence. When the author describes the novel as a 'Tremulation,' they mean that a novel creates a similar kind of subtle yet profound impact on the reader's consciousness and understanding of life. It doesn't just present information or tell a story; it resonates deeply, subtly altering perceptions and offering a unique kind of insight that vibrates through the reader's being, much like a wave on the ether.

Understanding the text

3. What are the arguments presented in the essay against the denial of the body by spiritual thinkers?
Solution: The essay argues against the spiritual thinkers' tendency to deny or devalue the physical body by asserting the novel's role in affirming and validating physical existence. Spiritual traditions sometimes view the body as a hindrance to spiritual enlightenment. However, the author implies that the novel, by its very nature, embraces the physical realities of human life—sensations, experiences, and the material world. It suggests that a complete understanding of life cannot be achieved by negating the body; instead, the novel celebrates the integration of the physical and the spiritual, showing that the body is an essential part of the human experience.

Talking about the text

1. The interest in a novel springs from the reaction of characters to circumstances. It is more important for characters to be true to themselves (integrity) then to what is expected of them (consistency) (A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of Little Minds – emersion).
Solution: The statement highlights a crucial aspect of character development in novels: authenticity over adherence to external expectations. The interest a reader derives from a novel often stems from observing how characters respond to the challenges and situations they face. The author emphasizes that a character's 'integrity'—their adherence to their own core values, beliefs, and true nature—is more compelling and significant than mere 'consistency,' which might mean simply behaving predictably or as society dictates. The quote "A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of Little Minds" underscores this point, suggesting that rigid adherence to past actions or societal norms without regard for one's inner truth can be limiting and ultimately uninteresting.

Talking about the text

2. 'The novel is the one bright book of life'. 'Books are not life'. Discuss the distinction between the two statements. Recall Ruskin's definition of 'What is a good book' in woven words class XI.
Solution: These two statements present a nuanced view of the novel's relationship with life. "The novel is the one bright book of life" suggests that the novel serves as a luminous, illuminating guide to understanding life in its fullness. It offers insights, experiences, and perspectives that can enlighten readers, making life seem richer and more comprehensible. It acts as a mirror, reflecting the complexities and beauty of existence. However, the statement "Books are not life" serves as a crucial caveat. It reminds us that while novels offer profound insights and reflections, they are ultimately representations or interpretations of life, not life itself. They are constructs created by authors, filtered through their perspectives and artistic choices. Life is dynamic, unpredictable, and experienced directly, whereas a book is a static text. Therefore, while a novel can be a powerful tool for understanding and appreciating life, it should not be mistaken for the lived, immediate reality of existence. Recalling Ruskin's definition of a good book would likely emphasize its ability to impart wisdom, inspire virtue, and offer genuine insight, aligning with the idea of the novel as an illuminating, but not identical, representation of life.

Appreciation

1. Certain catch phrases are recurrently used as pegs to hand the author thoughts throughout the essay. List these and discuss how they serve to achieve the argumentative force of the essay.
Solution: The essay likely employs recurring catch phrases to anchor its central arguments and create a sense of continuity and emphasis. While the specific phrases are not listed in the prompt, common examples in such essays might include variations on "the wholeness of life," "the novel as a mirror," or "integrity versus consistency." These phrases act as 'pegs' by:
  1. Reinforcing Key Ideas: Repeatedly using a phrase brings the core concept back to the reader's attention, ensuring it remains central to the argument.
  2. Creating Cohesion: They link different parts of the essay together, showing how various points relate back to the main thesis.
  3. Adding Emphasis: Repetition can lend weight and importance to a particular idea, making it more memorable and persuasive.
  4. Establishing a Tone: Certain phrases can help set a particular tone, whether it's assertive, reflective, or critical.
By consistently returning to these established phrases, the author strengthens the essay's argumentative force, making the overall message more coherent, impactful, and convincing for the reader.

Appreciation

2. the language of argument is intense and succeeds in convincing The Reader through rhetorical devices identify the devices used by the author to achieve this force.
Solution: The author uses intense language and various rhetorical devices to effectively persuade the reader. While a specific list requires a close reading of the text, common devices that contribute to argumentative force include:
  • Rhetorical Questions: Questions posed not to elicit an answer but to make a point or encourage the reader to think along a certain path (e.g., "Is this not the essence of life?").
  • Metaphors and Similes: Comparisons that make abstract concepts more concrete and relatable (e.g., comparing the novel to a 'bright book' or a 'mirror').
  • Strong Diction: Using powerful and evocative words to convey conviction and passion (e.g., words like 'essential,' 'profound,' 'superior,' 'foolish').
  • Appeals to Authority or Common Sense: Referencing widely accepted ideas or implicitly suggesting that the author's viewpoint is the most logical one.
  • Repetition: As mentioned previously, repeating key phrases or ideas to reinforce their importance.
  • Antithesis: Presenting contrasting ideas side-by-side to highlight differences and strengthen a point (e.g., integrity vs. consistency).
These devices work together to create an engaging and persuasive argument, making the author's case for the importance of the novel compelling and convincing.

Common mistakes

  • Confusing character consistency with character integrity.
  • Underestimating the novel's capacity to represent complex life experiences.
  • Failing to identify the rhetorical strategies used by the author to persuade the reader.
  • Misinterpreting abstract concepts like 'tremulation on ether'.

Revision tips

  • Focus on the author's core arguments for the novel's importance.
  • Pay attention to the distinction between 'life' and 'books' as discussed.
  • Identify and analyze the key phrases and rhetorical devices mentioned.
  • Practice explaining the concept of character integrity versus consistency with examples.

Practice MCQs

Q1. According to the author, why are novels considered superior to philosophy, science, and poetry?

Q2. What does the author imply by calling the novel a 'Tremulation on ether'?

Q3. What is a key argument presented against spiritual thinkers' denial of the body?

Q4. The essay suggests that character 'integrity' is more important than 'consistency' because:

Q5. Which rhetorical device is identified as being used by the author to strengthen the essay's argument?

Frequently asked questions

What is the main theme of Chapter 17, 'Why the Novel Matters'?

The main theme is the profound significance and unique value of the novel as a literary form, particularly its ability to capture the wholeness of life and validate human experience.

How do the NCERT Solutions help students understand the chapter?

The solutions break down complex arguments, clarify key concepts like 'tremulation on ether,' and analyze the author's use of language and rhetorical devices, making the essay's points more accessible for students.

What is the difference between character integrity and consistency as discussed in the chapter?

Integrity means characters are true to their own selves, while consistency means they behave as expected or as they have before. The chapter argues integrity is more crucial for a character's authenticity.

Why does the author consider the novel superior to other disciplines?

The author believes the novel offers a more complete and holistic reflection of life's experiences compared to the often specialized or abstract perspectives of philosophy, science, and poetry.

How can these solutions be used for exam preparation?

Students can use these solutions to review key arguments, understand critical concepts, practice identifying literary devices, and prepare for potential essay questions or analytical discussions about the chapter's content.

Important links

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