CBSE Class 11 Woven Words Chapter 26: The Story - NCERT Solutions

Reviewed by NCERT Help Editorial Team · Updated on 29 Jul 2026

NCERT Solutions PDF Class 11 PDF

This chapter provides NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Woven Words, focusing on Chapter 26, "The Story" (Essays). It delves into the fundamental aspects of what constitutes a novel, exploring the different perspectives on its purpose and function. The solutions analyze the concept of 'finer growths' within a novel's narrative, explaining how subplots and characters add depth. It also examines E.M. Forster's perspective on the primitive origins of storytelling and the crucial role of time in narrative structure. The solutions further discuss the analogy of Scheherazade to highlight suspense as a key element in engaging readers. Additionally, it touches upon the treatment of time in various novels, the dual nature of daily life ('life in time' vs. 'life by values'), and the organic nature of novelistic growth. Finally, it clarifies linguistic nuances like the use of 'qua' and distinguishes between a talk and a critical essay. These solutions are designed to help students grasp complex literary concepts and prepare effectively for their exams.

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Quick info

Board	CBSE
Class	Class 11
Subject	Woven Words
Session	2026
Language	English
Type	NCERT Solutions
Chapter	26. The Story - (Essays)

Chapter summary

Chapter 26 of CBSE Class 11 Woven Words, "The Story" (Essays), explores the essence and function of a novel. The NCERT Solutions cover the various interpretations of what a novel 'does', the significance of narrative details ('finer growths'), and the historical roots of storytelling. It emphasizes the critical role of time in narrative construction and the power of suspense, using examples like Scheherazade. The solutions also analyze how different authors treat time and discuss the concept of novels as living organisms. Linguistic aspects, such as the usage of 'qua', are also explained, aiding students in a thorough understanding of literary analysis.

Learning outcomes

Understand the multifaceted roles and purposes of a novel.
Analyze the concept of 'finer growths' and their contribution to narrative depth.
Explain the historical evolution and primitive origins of storytelling.
Discuss the importance of time and suspense in narrative structure.
Compare different treatments of time in literary works.
Define and use the word 'qua' in its various contexts.
Differentiate between a spoken talk and a written critical essay.

Topics covered

Paper topics

Definition and purpose of a novel
Narrative structure
Literary devices
The concept of 'finer growths'
Origins of storytelling
The role of time in narration
Suspense in literature
Scheherazade analogy
Treatment of time in novels
Life in time vs. Life by values
Novels as organisms
Linguistic analysis ('qua')

Important topics

The function and definition of a novel
The importance of time and suspense in storytelling
Analysis of narrative techniques and 'finer growths'
Understanding 'life in time' and 'life by values'
Historical perspective on storytelling

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Questions and Solutions

Understanding The Text - Question 1

What do you understand of the three voices in response to the question 'What does a novel do'?

Solution: The question "What does a novel do?" elicits three distinct responses, each revealing a different perspective on the value and nature of novels. The first voice offers a superficial reply, viewing novels merely as a source of leisure rather than a significant literary form. This perspective lacks depth and appreciation for the artistic merit of novels. The second voice responds aggressively, showing a dismissive attitude towards novels, considering them inferior simply because they tell a story, despite the speaker personally enjoying them. This indicates a prejudice against narrative fiction. The third voice expresses a mix of regret and sadness, acknowledging that the narration is conveyed through a less sophisticated or perhaps a lower level of literary expression. This suggests a nuanced understanding, possibly recognizing the limitations or perceived shortcomings of certain narrative styles while still valuing the story itself.

Understanding The Text - Question 2

What do you understand by 'the finer growths' that the story supports in a novel?

Solution: "The finer growths" in a novel refer to the subtle, intricate details and developments that enrich the narrative and give it a new dimension. These are not merely plot points but elements that add complexity and depth. Authors introduce these finer growths through various means, such as developing subplots that run parallel to the main storyline or introducing new characters who interact with the existing ones in significant ways. These additions can create unexpected twists, explore themes more thoroughly, or provide deeper insights into the characters' motivations and the novel's overall message, distinguishing it from simpler narratives.

Understanding The Text - Question 3

How does Forster trace the human interest in the story to primitive times?

Solution: E.M. Forster traces the human interest in storytelling back to the earliest periods of human history, suggesting it is a deeply ingrained aspect of human nature. He posits that the practice of storytelling likely dates back to the Neolithic or even Paleolithic Ages. Forster speculates that even early hominids, like the Neanderthals, might have engaged in storytelling. He imagines early humans returning from hunts and gathering around to share stories as a way to pass idle time and relax. The key element that held their attention, according to Forster, was the suspense inherent in the narrative. He suggests that once the suspense was resolved, their interest might wane significantly, to the point where they could become indifferent to the well-being of others, even resorting to violence.

Understanding The Text - Question 4

Discuss the importance of time in the narration of a story.

Solution: Time plays a fundamentally important role in the narration of any story. The entire structure and progression of a narrative are intrinsically linked to the concept of time. A story cannot unfold without establishing a temporal sequence – what happened first, what followed, and how events unfold over a period. Novels, in particular, require a careful temporal balance to present events chronologically, allowing the reader to follow the cause and effect of actions. The manipulation or depiction of time can significantly influence the reader's experience, affecting pacing, suspense, and the overall understanding of the plot and character development.

Appreciation - Question 1

How does Forster use the analogy of Scheherazade to establish his point?

Solution: Forster employs the famous example of Scheherazade from "One Thousand and One Nights" to powerfully illustrate his point about the essential role of suspense in storytelling. Scheherazade, facing execution by a king who had a history of killing his wives after their wedding night, devised a plan. Each night, she would begin telling a captivating story but would stop at a cliffhanger just before its conclusion. This tactic of leaving the king in suspense, eager to know what happened next, compelled him to postpone her execution night after night. Forster argues that this element of suspense is the primary, perhaps even the sole, attraction that keeps a reader or listener engrossed in a story.

Appreciation - Question 2

Taking off from Forster's references to Emily Bronte, Sterne and Proust, discuss the treatment of time in some of the novels you have read.

Solution: Novels have evolved to creatively employ various treatments of time, moving beyond simple chronological narration. Many novels, such as "To Kill a Mockingbird" or "Pride and Prejudice," largely adhere to a chronological pattern, unfolding events in the order they occur, which helps in revealing truths gradually. However, other novels experiment with time more dynamically. Some employ flashbacks and flashforwards, moving back and forth in time to create a sense of mystery or thriller, as seen in certain detective novels. Genres like dystopian fiction, exemplified by Cormac McCarthy's "The Road," might use a more linear narrative but maintain reader engagement through a compelling, albeit stark, storyline that keeps the reader hooked until the end. Authors like Proust, referenced by Forster, are known for their deep exploration of memory and subjective time, where past experiences are revisited and analyzed extensively, blurring the lines between past and present.

Talking About The Text - Question 1

What does a novel do?

Solution: A novel serves as a fictional medium to explore and display a wide array of human situations and experiences. Over time, the form has diversified into numerous genres, including historical, mystery, romance, fantasy, and drama, each offering a different kind of plot and thematic exploration. When E.M. Forster was writing, the range of novel genres was perhaps more limited than today. Essentially, a novel constructs a world, develops characters, and weaves a plot to engage the reader, offering insights into life, society, and the human condition through imaginative storytelling.

Talking About The Text - Question 2

'Our daily life reflects a double allegiance to 'the life in time' and 'the life by values'. Explain this statement.

Solution: The statement suggests that human existence is characterized by a dual focus: "the life in time" and "the life by values." "The life in time" refers to our engagement with the practical, chronological aspects of existence – adhering to schedules, managing daily routines, and progressing through life in a temporal sequence. It's about the objective passage of time and our activities within it. In contrast, "the life by values" relates to our inner world, our interests, passions, principles, and what we deem meaningful or important beyond the mere passage of time. While everyone experiences both, the "life by values" is often considered more significant as it shapes our identity, choices, and sense of purpose, even if it sometimes takes a backseat to the demands of daily temporal commitments.

Talking About The Text - Question 3

Discuss the description of novels as organisms.

Solution: Describing novels as "organisms" highlights their dynamic, evolving, and complex nature. Just as a living organism grows, develops, and possesses intricate systems, a novel grows on every page. This growth is manifested through the development of characters, the unfolding of the plot, the progression of events, and the nuances of dialogue. The author pays close attention to small details, much like biological processes. Furthermore, like an organism that experiences various feelings and moods, a novel can evoke a wide range of emotions and atmospheres, creating a rich and immersive experience for the reader. This analogy emphasizes the novel's vitality and its capacity for complex, organic development.

Language Work - Question 1

What does the word 'qua' mean in the expression 'qua story'? Find other expressions using the word 'qua'.

Solution: The word 'qua' is a Latin term used in English as a preposition, meaning 'in the capacity of' or 'as'. Therefore, in the expression 'qua story', it signifies 'in the capacity of being a story' or 'as a story'. It is used to specify the particular role or aspect being considered. Other expressions using 'qua' include:

"The manager, qua manager, has no authority to make such decisions." (Meaning: In his role as manager)
"She is known as a writer, but her work qua artist is also noteworthy." (Meaning: Her work considered as an artist's work)
"He acted as a mediator, qua neutral party." (Meaning: In his capacity as a neutral party)

Language Work - Question 2

Study the Note to Aspects of the Novel given at the end. Discuss the features that mark the piece as a talk as distinguished from a critical essay.

Solution: The piece "Aspects of the Novel" is characterized as a talk rather than a formal critical essay by several linguistic and stylistic features that lend it an informal, conversational tone. The use of first-person pronouns like 'I' and direct address to the audience using 'You' creates a personal connection, typical of spoken discourse. Phrases such as 'so to speak' and 'only to imagine' are colloquialisms that enhance the informal feel and are commonly used in spoken language to soften statements or invite the listener's imagination. While these elements might be considered less formal than those found in a strictly academic essay, they serve to make the content more accessible, engaging, and easier for the audience to follow, providing effective pauses and improving the overall flow and expression.

Common mistakes

Confusing the 'life in time' with the 'life by values'.
Underestimating the importance of suspense in storytelling.
Not recognizing the organic development of a novel.
Misinterpreting the author's intent regarding narrative techniques.

Revision tips

Focus on E.M. Forster's key arguments about novels and storytelling.
Pay attention to the examples used, like Scheherazade, to understand concepts.
Review the distinction between 'life in time' and 'life by values'.
Practice identifying how time is treated in novels you have read.
Understand the specific meaning and usage of the word 'qua'.

Practice MCQs

Q1. According to the text, what is the primary function of 'finer growths' in a novel?

Q2. How does Forster suggest storytelling originated?

Q3. What is the significance of Scheherazade's story in the context of narrative?

Q4. The phrase 'life in time' refers to:

Q5. What does the term 'qua' mean when used in expressions like 'qua story'?

Frequently asked questions

What is the main focus of Chapter 26, 'The Story', in Class 11 Woven Words?

Chapter 26 focuses on understanding the fundamental elements and purpose of a novel, exploring concepts like narrative structure, the role of time, suspense, and literary analysis, as discussed by E.M. Forster and others.

How do the NCERT Solutions help students understand the concept of 'finer growths'?

The solutions explain that 'finer growths' refer to the intricate details, subplots, or additional characters that authors introduce to add depth, complexity, and a unique dimension to the novel's narrative.

What is the significance of the Scheherazade example in the chapter?

The example of Scheherazade is used to illustrate the power of suspense in storytelling. By leaving her tales unfinished each night, she kept the king engaged, demonstrating how suspense hooks the reader or listener.

What is the difference between 'life in time' and 'life by values' as discussed in the solutions?

'Life in time' refers to the chronological progression of events and daily routines, while 'life by values' pertains to one's interests, principles, and what is considered important beyond the temporal aspect.

How are novels described as 'organisms' in the text?

Novels are likened to organisms because they grow and develop on each page, evolving through characters, plot, events, and dialogues, much like a living being with various feelings and moods.

What does the word 'qua' mean in the context of the chapter?

The word 'qua' is a preposition meaning 'in the capacity of' or 'as'. For example, 'qua story' means 'in the capacity of being a story'.

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