Forster’s lively, informed originality and wit have made this book a classic. Avoiding the chronological approach of what he calls “pse...
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Dec 11, 2011
Bruce
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This fascinating book is a series of lectures (and, taking its tone from that format, is delightfully conversational) that Forster gave at Trinity College, Cambridge, in 1927. In his “introductory” he makes this statement, “The final test of a novel (is) our affection for it.” He proposes to discuss several aspects of the novel.
The most common denominator of all novels is this: the novel tells a story. This alone does not make a novel good, but without a story a novel cannot exis More...
The most common denominator of all novels is this: the novel tells a story. This alone does not make a novel good, but without a story a novel cannot exis More...
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Dec 11, 2011
Jennifer
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Not exactly a how-to guide or a critique, Forster very basically explains different aspects of the novel through a series of lectures he gave in the late 1920s. A lot of the books that he refers to I’ve never read and probably never will (Les Faux Monnayeurs, not so much interested in), but he usually includes enough detail of the story or character that you get his point.
The tone is pretty casual, which makes it an easy read and while the aspects he covers are very basic - the story, the More...
The tone is pretty casual, which makes it an easy read and while the aspects he covers are very basic - the story, the More...
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Dec 11, 2011
Mohit
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E M Forester is a remarkable man. Astute. And that's what makes Aspects of the Novel so compelling.
The book is a compilation of lectures, delivered in Trinity College, Cambridge in 1927, on what he considers universal aspects of the novel: story, characters, plot, fantasy, prophecy, pattern, and rhythm.
The lectures are unique and insightful. Had I not lost my book immediately after finishing it I would have loved to quote several of his shrewd, profound and appealing conclusio More...
The book is a compilation of lectures, delivered in Trinity College, Cambridge in 1927, on what he considers universal aspects of the novel: story, characters, plot, fantasy, prophecy, pattern, and rhythm.
The lectures are unique and insightful. Had I not lost my book immediately after finishing it I would have loved to quote several of his shrewd, profound and appealing conclusio More...
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Dec 11, 2011
W.H.
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Getting published presents problems beyond esthetic notions of style, plot and character. For instance, one of my writing students recently took me aside. Young and good looking, “Bill,” she said, “what will my mother say if she reads my descriptions of how often I get laid?”
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E.M. Forster was one of the great writers of the 20th century. His “Aspects of the Novel” was my first great teacher. I know no one else who can teach you the art o More...
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E.M. Forster was one of the great writers of the 20th century. His “Aspects of the Novel” was my first great teacher. I know no one else who can teach you the art o More...
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Dec 11, 2011
Tony
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Forster, E(dward). M(organ). ASPECTS OF THE NOVEL. (1927). *****. This is a marvelous book that I wish I had known about when taking courses, years ago, called things like, “The Modern American Novel,” or “Nineteenth Century American Literature,” or “English Literature in the 20th Century,” where the usual program was to read about 100 required books (for each!) and then to write papers with assigned themes. The themes were usually of the sort: “How does Melville compare with GadAbout Gadd
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Dec 11, 2011
Daniel
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E.M. Forster's "Aspects of the Novel," originally a series of lectures delivered at Trinity College, Cambridge, in 1927, is a conversational, insightful discussion of plot, characters, rhythm and other components of the novel. Forster's humility -- mocking his own abilities as a critic, poking fun at his attachment to the book "The Swiss Family Robinson," and occasionally alluding to the ramshackle nature of the lectures -- is particularly winning.
The lectures pur More...
The lectures pur More...
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Dec 11, 2011
Carol
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Delightful read, (feel as though I am listening to Forster lecture!) "Books have to be read . . . It is the only way of discovering what they contain." His lectures focus on story, people, the plot, fantasy, prophecy and pattern & rhythm. He talks in great detail about round and flat characters, stating that Dickens characters are flat (including David Copperfield) and points out his favorite round characters by Austen, Eliot, Trollope, Melville, Woolfe and Hemingway (only his male cha
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Dec 11, 2011
Ben
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E.M. Forster's Aspects of the Novel reads like a great conversation about books over tea. I recommend it to anybody who likes rhetorical devices and subtly shifting opinions.
One take away lesson: the Fantastic - Prophetic Axis... i.e. the fantastic asks something extra of the reader and the prophetic asks something extra of the character... discuss.
One take away lesson: the Fantastic - Prophetic Axis... i.e. the fantastic asks something extra of the reader and the prophetic asks something extra of the character... discuss.
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Dec 11, 2011
Nicholas
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Impressive how this book holds up so many years after its publication in 1927. Forster is instructive about the novel, sure, but even more enjoyable is his remarkable sense of humor. As much as I admire James Wood's "How Fiction Works" (an update of sorts on Forster), I enjoyed reading "Aspects of the Novel" more.
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Dec 11, 2011
Tyra
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This book is billed as a classic and I must agree to an extent. Forster said many things about the structure of a novel that I found interesting and helpful. As a writer, I will return to its pages for guidance again. It was Forster's literary examples when explaining a novel's aspects that I found difficult.
In Forster's explanation of Pattern and Rhythm, for example, he used the literary examples of Thais by Anatole France and Roman Pictures by Percy Lubbock to describe the two patt More...
In Forster's explanation of Pattern and Rhythm, for example, he used the literary examples of Thais by Anatole France and Roman Pictures by Percy Lubbock to describe the two patt More...
Dec 11, 2011
Stacey
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"If God could tell the story of the Universe, the Universe would become fictitious." pg-56
E.M. Forster brings a depth to literary criticism which is unique and moving. Based on a series of lectures, Forster covers seven elements of fiction; story, people, plot, fantasy, prophecy, pattern and rhythm. Though I haven't read the majority of the works that Forster uses in his examples, I was very moved by the first few lectures and his comments on "people" in specific. More...
E.M. Forster brings a depth to literary criticism which is unique and moving. Based on a series of lectures, Forster covers seven elements of fiction; story, people, plot, fantasy, prophecy, pattern and rhythm. Though I haven't read the majority of the works that Forster uses in his examples, I was very moved by the first few lectures and his comments on "people" in specific. More...
Dec 11, 2011
Michael
rated it: 
I like E.M. Forster novels in the same way I like fancy restaurants.
I appreciate them, but more often than not they are outside of my comfort zone, I don't really fit in with them, and I think they are overpriced and overrated.
Reading this book you get the sense that E.M. Forster is a bit of an opinionated prick. The saving grace here is that he definitely has the skills to back up being an opinionated prick. But I found the book useless as a guide to writing or as More...
I appreciate them, but more often than not they are outside of my comfort zone, I don't really fit in with them, and I think they are overpriced and overrated.
Reading this book you get the sense that E.M. Forster is a bit of an opinionated prick. The saving grace here is that he definitely has the skills to back up being an opinionated prick. But I found the book useless as a guide to writing or as More...
Dec 11, 2011
For the first 30 pages, I was surprisingly annoyed with Forster. But for the rest of the book, I wished I were sitting in an Oxford pub with him, having a lively exchange of ideas. I certainly don’t agree with all of his opinions (such as when he completely disregards novelists’ sociocultural situations—though he describes his idea beautifully: “Empires fall, votes are accorded, but to those people writing in the circular room it is the feel of the pen between their fingers that matters most”),
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Dec 11, 2011
Nick
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Having read a number of these types of books by now, what strikes one first is the fact that we live in a very different time than E. M. Forster did. Mind you, these were oral, casual lectures about the novel, not held to the same standards of stylistic discipline that literary criticism is, but still, the way Forster is fast and loose with his opinions is striking. Tolstoy is simply the best novelist and War & Peace, the best novel ever. Period. There are only four “prophetic” novelists to ever
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Dec 11, 2011
Matthew
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A rather interesting read, whether you read or write novels. The early chapters on the more traditional aspects -- story, plot, and characters -- are easy to understand and make sense, both emotionally and logically. (The distinction he makes between story and plot is particularly insightful.) Later chapters on prophecy and fantasy become a bit more opaque than the earlier ones, but that may be due in part to the greater opacity of those aspects (and the fact that I hadn't read or heard about an
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Dec 11, 2011
Alan
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Overall, I enjoyed reading this book. As other reviewers have noted, this was a series of lectures, and therefore should NOT be considered a guide on "how to write a novel." If, however, you have a background in English literature and want to write a novel, then you may find this book an interesting exercise in critical analysis.
I found the sections on story, people (parts 1 and 2), and plot thought-provoking and insightful. What made these sections most interesting were h More...
I found the sections on story, people (parts 1 and 2), and plot thought-provoking and insightful. What made these sections most interesting were h More...
Dec 11, 2011
Courtney
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This series of lectures on how to critically approach novel reading provides an intriguing look at how one of the 20th Century's great novelists views his craft, but it lacks in internal consistency and several chapters don't quite hold together.
The first half of this book is strong. Forster writes about "the story" and what distinguishes it from "plot" - one is chronology, the other evokes mystery. Over two essays, he delves into character and what makes a well-p More...
The first half of this book is strong. Forster writes about "the story" and what distinguishes it from "plot" - one is chronology, the other evokes mystery. Over two essays, he delves into character and what makes a well-p More...
Dec 11, 2011
Julia
rated it:
Mr Forster has an intriguing view on the structures of novels. He uses numerous literary examples to illustrate his point and renew interest in what would otherwise be a series of insightful, but bland and difficult concepts.
Written as a series of lectures, Aspects of the Novel breaks down the novel into its principles and analyzes its organs; Plot, Story, People, Fantasy, Prophecy, etc.
Why isn't this a five or four star? He drones ever so slightly, and his meanings, even with the he More...
Written as a series of lectures, Aspects of the Novel breaks down the novel into its principles and analyzes its organs; Plot, Story, People, Fantasy, Prophecy, etc.
Why isn't this a five or four star? He drones ever so slightly, and his meanings, even with the he More...
Dec 11, 2011
Jo
rated it:
One of the greatest novelists discussing novels. After reading numerous books by Forster, it was like a gift to discover he had written this one, and to gain an insight into his thoughts on the writer's craft.
These days we are inundated with books on how to write, how not to write, how to be heard in a noisy, saturated market. And many of these guides are written by people who haven't actually written that much. It is good to go back to Forster's time and hear the views of a truly f More...
These days we are inundated with books on how to write, how not to write, how to be heard in a noisy, saturated market. And many of these guides are written by people who haven't actually written that much. It is good to go back to Forster's time and hear the views of a truly f More...
Dec 11, 2011
Haengbok92
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This is a wonderfully perceptive guide to both writing and in general to the evolution of the novel (though specifically not handled with a focus on linear time). I found a number of gems of interest scattered throughout this book, and his seven aspects: story, character, plot, fantasy, prophecy, pattern and rhythm. He clearly differentiates between story and plot, and shows the benefits and problems of each. Also, his discussion of fantasy (which does not necessitate a fantasy element, but m
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Dec 11, 2011
Leonardo Rodríguez
rated it:
Es un error leer Aspectos de la novela como un manual para escribir novelas. En primer lugar, porque no se deben leer manuales para escribir novelas. Tengo la impresión de que las novelas así escritas, salen, ay, como manuales. Forster fue quizá demasiado discreto con su título. Le falta ese toque del que nunca carece este libro: ironía. ¿O es ya una ironía el título convencional y opaco? No hay que engañarse, este uno de esos libros que pueden leer incluso aquellos que no leen demasiadas novela
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Dec 11, 2011
Laura
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I don't know why I didn't enjoy reading this as much as I expected to - especially because I love Forster's novels so much. I don't blame Forster though; as much pleasure as I get from being a student of writing, I may be a little burned out on reading about the process. Nevertheless, his chapters/lectures on "People," "The Plot," and "Prophecy" have some interesting points that attempt to elucidate the mysterious qualities of transcendent writing. I really like
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Dec 11, 2011
Stacey
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E.M. Forster is just so dang charming! And it's so interesting to get a working professionals' take on fellow writers as illustrations of the basics (plot, story, character, etc). Henry James? Exquisite but narrow. Walter Scott? All plot and no passion. His faves? Moby Dick, Doestoevsky, and above all Tolstoy. Guess I'm going to have to check out the Russians eventually.
And he points to aspects that would not have occurred to me as such: pattern, rhythym, fantasy, and prophecy.
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And he points to aspects that would not have occurred to me as such: pattern, rhythym, fantasy, and prophecy.
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Dec 11, 2011
A.J.
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No one can complain of false advertising here: the book is Aspects of the Novel, and that's what it covers: aspects of the novel, nothing more, nothing less.
Maybe that's its greatest strength. Reading Forster, you will not find yourself wallowing in an exhaustive attempt to define the novel, once and for all. There is no grand historical review here. It's straightforward and unpretentious throughout. But at the same time, you may find yourself hoping for more, for a more in-depth tre More...
Maybe that's its greatest strength. Reading Forster, you will not find yourself wallowing in an exhaustive attempt to define the novel, once and for all. There is no grand historical review here. It's straightforward and unpretentious throughout. But at the same time, you may find yourself hoping for more, for a more in-depth tre More...
Dec 11, 2011
Elizabeth
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"...the story, the chopped of string of the tapeworm of time..." I was reminded that Forster is not the master of "rules" as I remembered from the first time I read this book. In fact, reading Howard's End recently reminded that there was no way he could be. He's a modernist! Man of interior monologue and free association. This book (Aspects...) is a must read for all writers at least once every five years, and definitely as antidote after every visit with one of the newer an
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Dec 11, 2011
Victoria
rated it: 
I don't want to doubt Forster's talents, but this book is honestly a boring read. I am beginning to agree with Stephen King more and more with each day. There should be a story or at least an interesting way to tell something.
Aspect of the Novel is really going back and forth all the time. No structure... I managed to stand 1/3 of it. Maybe one day "I'll grow-up" and be able to go back to this book, maybe not.
Wouldn't recommend it actually. People, read Stephen More...
Aspect of the Novel is really going back and forth all the time. No structure... I managed to stand 1/3 of it. Maybe one day "I'll grow-up" and be able to go back to this book, maybe not.
Wouldn't recommend it actually. People, read Stephen More...
Dec 11, 2011
John
rated it:
I read this in college, remembered that I liked it, kept it all these years, and just re-read it for the first time since the early '70s. I see why I liked it. All these years I thought it was the content; now I see more clearly that, yes, the content is good, very good, but it's the ability of Forster to articulate that's the real hook. Here is someone who can really think and put his thoughts into proper English sentences, then, amazingly, into paragraphs as well. And he makes it look easy wit
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Dec 11, 2011
Kristin
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This is a very readable analysis of, what else?, the various aspects of the modern novel. It was cool to hear a great author and critic say that he thinks we should view authors as they are, and not as products of the time periods to which they below and all compared to each other, not just to their contemporaries. That's always been a bone I've had to pick with academics--why must I choose a time period to concentrate on when studying literature? Wouldn't it make more sense to pick a subject
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Dec 11, 2011
a swift read; bloomsbury voices in writing (well, woolf & forster at least) have a wonderful keen loquacity to them.
foundational, and ultimately, I predict, more influential upon my future writings than gardner's On Becoming A Novelist because the latter's grounding in New Criticism prescribes and presumes to circumscribe. forster's study is broader, less mechanical, and leaves room for mystery (ergo experimentation, perhaps), as in his sections on "prophetic" qualities and More...
foundational, and ultimately, I predict, more influential upon my future writings than gardner's On Becoming A Novelist because the latter's grounding in New Criticism prescribes and presumes to circumscribe. forster's study is broader, less mechanical, and leaves room for mystery (ergo experimentation, perhaps), as in his sections on "prophetic" qualities and More...
Dec 11, 2011
Burcu
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A basic exploration of the "aspects of the novel" from plot-story to characters and narration. I think it should be read at least once by students of literature as an introduction to the novel. Originally written as a set of lectures for Cambridge's Trinity College, the pieces are easy to read with their casual tone. It's good to acquire the simple terminology such as flat or round characters, to know the difference between the plot and the story and think about why the narrative point
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