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Why the Novel Matters (D.H Lawrence)

CBSE · Class 12 · English

Complete topic list for Why the Novel Matters (D.H Lawrence) in CBSE Class 12 English. Key concepts, sub-topics, and what to focus on for board exams.

70 questions32 flashcards5 concepts

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4 Topics · CBSE Class 12 English

Topics in Why the Novel Matters (D.H Lawrence)

1

1. Core Idea of the Essay

  • The central claim is that life is the highest value.
  • Human beings should not be seen as split into body, soul, and mind as separate things.
  • The whole person is greater than any single part.
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2. Lawrence's View of the Self

  • Lawrence questions the common idea that a person is body plus soul, body plus mind, or body plus spirit.
  • He gives special importance to the hand, because it is alive and knows through touch.
  • The hand is not treated as less important than the brain.
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3. Contrast with Parson, Philosopher, Scientist, and Saint

  • The parson talks about souls in heaven, but Lawrence values paradise in the palm of the hand and on the end of the nose because these are alive.
  • The philosopher talks about infinity and pure spirit, but Lawrence insists that real knowledge begins in the body.
  • The scientist reduces the person to dead matter under a microscope and breaks the person into parts.
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4. The Novel and the Whole Human Being

  • The novel is presented as the one bright book of life.
  • Books are not life, but the novel can make the whole living person tremble.
  • The Bible, Homer, and Shakespeare are called the supreme old novels.

Key Concepts

Central concept: The novel as the book of life and the fullest form of human expression

D.H. Lawrence's view of selfhoodLife over abstractionCritique of saint, philosopher, and scientistThe living body as source of knowledgeBooks and tremulations on the etherThe supreme old novelsChange, integrity, and individualityThe novel as guide to living

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the important topics in Why the Novel Matters (D.H Lawrence) for CBSE Class 12 English?
Why the Novel Matters (D.H Lawrence) covers several key topics that are frequently asked in CBSE Class 12 board exams. Focus on the core concepts listed on this page and practise related questions to build confidence.
How to score full marks in Why the Novel Matters (D.H Lawrence) — CBSE Class 12 English?
Understand the core concepts first, then work through the 70 practice questions available for this chapter. Revise formulas and definitions regularly, and use flashcards for quick recall before the exam.

Sources & Official References

Content is aligned to the official syllabus. Refer to the board website for the latest curriculum.

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