RBSE Solutions Class 12 English Chapter 2 Why the Novel Matters

Question 1. What does the metaphor 'the bottle of wine' represent ?
(a) body
(b) spirit
(c) soul
(d) body and soul
Answer: (a) body
In simple words: In this metaphor, the "bottle of wine" stands for the physical body. It suggests that the body is like a container for life's essence.

🎯 Exam Tip: When analyzing metaphors, identify the literal meaning of the objects mentioned and then consider their symbolic connections within the text.

Answer the following questions in 15-20 words each :

Question 1. What does Lawrence mean by “Whatever in me alive is me” ?
Answer: Lawrence means that his soul and his physical body together make up his personality. It is the complete self, including both the inner and outer being, that defines "me."
In simple words: Lawrence means that everything that is alive inside him, both his soul and his body, makes him who he is.

🎯 Exam Tip: Focus on understanding the core components Lawrence identifies as making up the "self" and how they combine.

Question 2. According to Lawrence, what is the exact meaning of living?
Answer: According to Lawrence, true living means not following a set pattern of life, like a character in a novel. It is about experiencing life freely, without being confined to a predetermined script or role.
In simple words: Lawrence believes living truly means being free and not following a pre-set plan, like characters in a book.

🎯 Exam Tip: Note Lawrence's distinction between a predetermined "pattern of living" and genuine, free living.

Question 3. What is the central idea of "Why the Novel Matters" ?
Answer: The central idea is that novels help people truly "live" by presenting life in its full form. Lawrence believes this makes the novel superior to other areas of study, as it deals with the whole person.
In simple words: The main idea is that novels make people feel truly alive and are better than other types of knowledge.

🎯 Exam Tip: Identify the key benefit Lawrence attributes to novels (making one 'live') and how he compares them to other forms of knowledge.

Question 4. For what purpose does the writer use the concept of “tremulation" ?
Answer: The writer uses "tremulation" to describe ideas that affect a living person. He suggests that while ideas can make us quiver or feel alive, they are ultimately less important than the whole living person.
In simple words: The writer uses "tremulation" to show that ideas are like small shakes that affect us, but they are not as important as a real, living person.

🎯 Exam Tip: Understand that "tremulation" here relates to the subtle impact of ideas, highlighting their secondary importance compared to actual human experience.

Question 1. Why is a novelist different from a philosopher, a scientist or a stupid person?
Answer: A novelist is different because they deal with living characters and portray life as a whole. Philosophers focus on soul and God, ignoring the body. Scientists study dead objects, and a stupid person simply trusts philosophers and scientists without questioning.
In simple words: A novelist is unique because they write about real, changing life. Philosophers focus on thoughts, and scientists study things that aren't alive, which makes them different from a novelist's view of a whole, living person.

🎯 Exam Tip: To score well, clearly contrast the novelist's approach to life (wholeness, living characters) with the limited perspectives of philosophers and scientists.

Question 2. What is the idea of Lawrence about the Bible ?
Answer: Lawrence views the Bible as a kind of novel, specifically a great but confusing one. He believes it is truly about living humanity, even portraying God and its characters like Jesus, Adam, and Eve, as essentially living people.
In simple words: Lawrence thinks the Bible is like a big, messy novel that is really about human life, not just God, with all characters, even God, seen as living people.

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember Lawrence's unusual perspective: seeing the Bible not just as a religious text, but as a "confused novel" centered on human experience.

Question 3. What is the similarity between life and fiction?
Answer: Both life and fiction, especially novels, deal with living and changing beings. Readers connect with novel characters because they are lifelike and constantly evolve. If they stop changing, they lose their vitality. Similarly, human life must also keep changing to remain truly alive and interesting.
In simple words: Both stories and real life are about people who are alive and always changing. If they stop changing, they are no longer truly alive or interesting.

🎯 Exam Tip: The key similarity is the constant change and dynamism essential for both fictional characters and real human life to remain "alive" and engaging.

Describe the characteristics of a novel.
Answer: A novel has the following characteristics :
1. A novel is the book of life.
2. It deals with man alive.
3. Its characters must be alive.
4. Its characters should be lifelike.
5. Its characters must be kept changing to sustain the interest of readers.
6. If its characters stop changing, they cease to be interesting.
In simple words: A novel is like a book about real life, showing characters that are alive and always changing. Readers like it when characters keep changing, otherwise, they become boring.

🎯 Exam Tip: List the six characteristics clearly, especially emphasizing the importance of 'man alive' and continuous change for engaging storytelling.

Answer the following questions in about 100 words each :

Question 1. In what ways is the novel, according to Lawrence, the book of life?
Answer: According to Lawrence, the novel is the book of life because it deeply engages with human existence and living individuals. It features characters that are very realistic and relatable, which naturally captures readers' attention. What is truly important is that these characters are alive and constantly evolving. If they were to stop changing, they would become dull and uninteresting, losing reader engagement. Novels effectively mirror human life, showing its dynamism and complexity, much like real life itself. Even sacred texts like the Bible are viewed by Lawrence as complex novels about living people, with all their characters and even God himself appearing as alive.
In simple words: Lawrence calls the novel the "book of life" because it shows real, changing people and events, making readers interested. Just like in real life, if characters don't change, they become boring. Even the Bible, he says, is a novel about living people.

🎯 Exam Tip: Highlight how novels reflect the dynamic and evolving nature of "man alive" as the core reason Lawrence calls them the "book of life," contrasting this with static portrayals.

Question 2. 'All things flow and change, and even change is not absolute'. Discuss.
Answer: Lawrence argues that the novel is the book of life because it centers on living people. However, the key element that gives the novel its vitality is change. A novel mirrors life by showing evolution in its characters and storyline. These characters appear real because their ongoing changes make them interesting to readers. In the wider world, everything flows and changes, which is a fundamental sign of life. Yet, change itself is not entirely consistent or uniform. If characters in a novel stop changing, they become lifeless, and readers lose interest. This principle also applies to real life, where continuous change is essential for meaningful existence.
In simple words: Lawrence says novels are like life because everything changes, which keeps things interesting. This change isn't always the same, but it's vital. If characters or people stop changing, they become boring or dead.

🎯 Exam Tip: Explain the dual concept of constant "flow and change" and the idea that even change is not "absolute," linking both ideas directly to the vitality of novels and real life.

RBSE Class 12 English Prudence Non-Fiction Chapter 2 Additional Questions

RBSE Class 12 English Prudence Non-Fiction Chapter 2 Short Answer Type Questions

Answer the following questions in about 50 words each :

Question 1. What are the things that mark animate things from the inanimate?
Answer: The things that distinguish living (animate) from non-living (inanimate) things are: living things flicker and have movement, they are organized into many parts, they are complete in themselves, and they show activity. In contrast, non-living things lack these qualities.
In simple words: Living things move, have many parts, are complete, and are active, while non-living things are not.

🎯 Exam Tip: Focus on the four distinct characteristics given (flicker, organization, completeness, activity) to clearly differentiate animate from inanimate objects.

Question 2. What is the simple truth that eludes the philosopher or the scientist?
Answer: Neither a philosopher nor a scientist fully grasps the simple truth that life is a complete, unified whole. A philosopher often mistakes thought for life, while a scientist may view each body part as a separate living entity. They both miss the point that no single part alone defines life; it's the entirety.
In simple words: Philosophers and scientists miss the simple truth that life is one whole thing, not just thoughts or separate body parts.

🎯 Exam Tip: The core idea to convey is that both philosophers and scientists tend to compartmentalize life, failing to see it as a complete, interconnected entity.

Question 3. How does Lawrence reconcile inconsistency of behaviour with integrity?
Answer: Lawrence acknowledges that human behavior changes, and a desire for change is natural. However, he emphasizes that even amidst these changes, an individual maintains a core sense of integrity. Behavior may vary over time, but these changes typically follow a personal pattern aligned with the individual's will, ensuring a continuous sense of self.
In simple words: Lawrence believes that even though people's behavior changes, they still keep their true self (integrity). These changes follow their own wishes, so they stay consistent in a way.

🎯 Exam Tip: The key is to show how personal "will" and an underlying "pattern" allow for changing behavior without losing a person's fundamental integrity.

Question 4. How does the novel reflect the wholeness of a human being?
Answer: A novelist looks at life in its entirety, unlike those with limited perspectives. While a clergyman discusses life after death, and a philosopher talks about abstract concepts, a novelist isn't concerned with the afterlife. Instead, the novelist understands that infinity is just one part of the body. A scientist views each body part as alive, but for a novelist, life isn't just a brain or a heart. A novelist sees life as a complete whole, including thoughts, spirit, soul, and all body parts, reflecting the full human experience.
In simple words: A novelist shows a person as a complete being, combining their thoughts, feelings, soul, and body. They don't just focus on one part, like a philosopher or scientist might.

🎯 Exam Tip: Stress the novel's unique ability to integrate all aspects of human existence—physical, mental, and spiritual—into a single, coherent representation.

Question 5. Why does the author consider the novel superior to philosophy, science or even poetry?
Answer: The author considers the novel superior because philosophy, science, and poetry each view life from only one limited angle. Philosophy sees thought as life, science sees body parts as life, and poetry focuses on a single emotion. In contrast, the novel encompasses and describes life in its complete, integrated wholeness, offering a much broader and more comprehensive understanding.
In simple words: The author thinks novels are better because they show all of life, not just one part like philosophy, science, or poetry do.

🎯 Exam Tip: The main argument for the novel's superiority is its ability to present life in its "wholeness," unlike other disciplines that focus on isolated aspects.

Question 6. What does the author mean by 'tremulations on ether' and 'the novel as a tremulation'?
Answer: 'Tremulations on ether' refers to thoughts, words, feelings, and ambitions that leave a person when they die. These no longer exist within the decaying body and float outside as subtle vibrations. 'The novel as a tremulation' signifies the way a novel vibrates and stirs us, creating emotional and intellectual resonance within the reader.
In simple words: 'Tremulations on ether' are like leftover feelings or ideas from someone who has died. 'The novel as a tremulation' means a novel makes us feel strong emotions and thoughts, like a vibration.

🎯 Exam Tip: Distinguish between "tremulations on ether" (departed ideas/feelings) and "novel as a tremulation" (the novel's vibrating impact on us).

Question 7. What are the arguments presented in the essay against the denial of the body by spiritual thinkers ?
Answer: Spiritual thinkers often value the soul over the body and focus on spiritual growth, neglecting the physical self. The author argues against this by stating that our body is the source of all worldly joys and is our undeniable present reality. Therefore, he concludes that we should not disregard our body for an unknown entity like the soul.
In simple words: Spiritual thinkers often ignore the body for the soul. The author argues that our body gives us all our earthly happiness and is real right now, so we shouldn't forget it for something unknown like the soul.

🎯 Exam Tip: The core argument against denying the body is its role as the source of present joy and its tangible reality, contrasting with the unseen nature of the soul.

Question 8. Discuss the curious ideas of ourselves that the author has described in this essay.
Answer: The author points out the strange ways we think about ourselves, often seeing ourselves as just a body containing a spirit, soul, or mind. We tend to separate our body from our living essence, not truly recognizing it as alive in itself. These ideas, according to the author, are very odd and don't reflect a complete understanding of ourselves.
In simple words: The author talks about our strange ideas of thinking we are just a body with a spirit or soul inside. We don't see our body as truly alive, which he finds very curious.

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember the author's critique: people's tendency to compartmentalize the self into body and spirit/soul, rather than seeing the body itself as a living entity.

Question 9. State the difference between 'me alive' and 'me'.
Answer: 'Me alive' refers to the conscious experience of one's complete existence, encompassing physical and mental wholeness. However, the author sees no real difference between 'me alive' and 'me'. He states that every part of the body that shows signs of life constitutes 'me alive', and ultimately, "whatever is 'me alive' is 'me'". This emphasizes that the entire living self is the true 'me'.
In simple words: 'Me alive' means being fully aware of your whole, living self. The author believes there is no difference between 'me alive' and 'me', meaning your entire living being is who you are.

🎯 Exam Tip: The key point is Lawrence's unification of 'me alive' and 'me', stressing the conscious and holistic nature of the living self.

Question 10. What is the difference between a novel and a book ? (S. S. Exam. 2012)
Answer: A novel is a vibrant book of life that fully describes life and presents characters in a lively, realistic way, teaching readers the true meaning of existence. It makes a person truly alive. In contrast, a general book primarily serves as a tool for defining life, explaining concepts, or imparting knowledge. While books educate, a novel engages and vivifies the reader's experience of life itself.
In simple words: A novel is a lively story that shows real life and makes you feel truly alive. A general book, on the other hand, just explains things or gives facts.

🎯 Exam Tip: Highlight that a novel *shows* and *enlivens* life through characters, while a general book *defines* or *explains* life conceptually.

Question 11. Why does the author say, “The years drink up the wine, and at last throw the bottle away” ?
Answer: The author uses this metaphor to explain how people perceive life and death. They often equate the soul, spirit, or mind with "wine" – the essence of life – and the body with "the bottle" that contains it. When a person dies, it's seen as time having "drunk up" the vital essence (wine), leaving the body (bottle) as useless and discarded. This portrays a view where the body is merely a vessel, discarded once its contents are gone.
In simple words: The author means that people think the soul or spirit is like "wine" inside the body, which is "the bottle." When you die, time has used up the soul (wine), and the body (bottle) is then thrown away because it's no longer useful.

🎯 Exam Tip: Break down the metaphor: "wine" represents the essence of life (soul/spirit), and "bottle" represents the physical body, highlighting the eventual discarding of the body.

Question 12. 'The whole is greater than the part'. Discuss with reference to this essay.
Answer: This statement is discussed in the essay in the context of people's inaccurate self-perceptions. A philosopher might consider thought to be life, and a scientist might see individual body parts as alive. However, the author argues that true life is the entire body, including both thoughts and all visible organs. It's the complete, integrated being that constitutes life, not just its isolated components.
In simple words: The essay discusses how a philosopher or scientist might focus on only parts of life, like thoughts or body organs. But the author argues that true life is the whole person, with all their thoughts and body parts working together.

🎯 Exam Tip: Emphasize that the "whole" refers to the complete human being, where mind, body, and spirit are integrated, contrasting this with a fragmented view of life.

Question 13. The author says, “I do hope you begin to get my idea.” What idea is he talking about?
Answer: When the author says this, he is referring to his central idea that the novel holds supreme importance in shaping human lives. He believes the novel is superior to other forms of expression like poetry, philosophy, science, or any other book because it offers deeper, more well-rounded life lessons and comprehensive wisdom. The author is confident that his readers are beginning to grasp this profound perspective.
In simple words: The author is talking about his idea that novels are the best way to learn about life. He thinks they are better than poetry or science because they teach people more deeply about how to live.

🎯 Exam Tip: Connect the author's statement directly to his primary thesis: the novel's unique power to provide holistic life wisdom and its superiority over other disciplines.

Question 14. Discuss the importance of integrity over consistency in a novel's characters.
Answer: In a novel, readers might expect characters to behave consistently. However, Lawrence argues that a character's integrity – being true to themselves – is far more important than mere consistency. A character's authentic responses to circumstances, even if they seem inconsistent on the surface, offer valuable life lessons. As Emerson famously stated, "A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds," implying that rigid adherence to consistency stifles genuine growth and understanding.
In simple words: In novels, it's more important for characters to be true to their inner selves (integrity) than to always act the same way (consistency). Being real helps readers learn more about life, even if it means characters change.

🎯 Exam Tip: Emphasize that integrity allows for deeper, more realistic character development and more impactful life lessons, aligning with Emerson's view on consistency.

Question 15. 'The novel is the one bright book of life'. 'Books are not life'. Discuss the distinction between the two statements.
Answer: The statement "The novel is the one bright book of life" highlights the novel's ability to portray life in its full, dynamic, and realistic essence, making characters seem genuinely alive. It describes life's wholeness. In contrast, "Books are not life" points out that general books are merely mediums for defining or explaining life, rather than embodying it. As Ruskin observed, "Life is living while books are the dead things." This distinction emphasizes that novels actively present life as it is lived, while other books merely analyze or document it.
In simple words: A novel shows life vividly, making characters seem real and whole. Other books just describe or explain life; they are not life itself, but tools to understand it.

🎯 Exam Tip: Differentiate by explaining that novels *show* or *are* life through vivid portrayal, while general books *explain* or *define* life intellectually.

RBSE Class 12 English Prudence Non-Fiction Chapter 2 Long Answer Type Questions

Answer the following questions in about 100 words each:

Question 2. What is the theory of right, and wrong, good and bad according to D. H. Lawrence ?
Answer: According to D. H. Lawrence, life inherently contains right and wrong, good and bad. However, he believes these concepts are not absolute; what is right in one situation may be wrong in another. Similarly, something considered good at one time could be bad at another. In novels, a person might become lifeless due to their perceived goodness, while another might perish from wickedness. Lawrence suggests that right, wrong, good, and bad arise from the instinctual consciousness of a living person. We truly experience life when we allow these instincts full play, just as they are brought to life in a novel.
In simple words: Lawrence believes right and wrong, good and bad are not fixed rules; they change with each situation. These feelings come from our natural instincts. We truly live when we let these instincts guide us, like characters in a story.

🎯 Exam Tip: Focus on Lawrence's relativistic view of morality—that right/wrong and good/bad are fluid, context-dependent, and rooted in the instincts of the "man alive."