Welcome Readers,
PLOT IN THE NOVEL
William Henry Hudson
Introduction:
Hudson’s “An Introduction to the Study of English Literature” explores various aspects of fiction, including the significance of plot in the novel. In this context, Hudson delves into the subject matter of fiction, the importance of fidelity to real life, the nature of plot, and the intricacies of storytelling.
1. Subject Matter in Fiction
In fiction, the subject matter revolves around life in its myriad forms, but it is not life itself that the writer presents; rather, it is a selective representation of life. Hudson stresses that the novelist’s task is to choose what to include, shaping it with a sense of coherence and purpose. The subject matter must engage with the human experience—emotions, relationships, challenges, and internal struggles. However, the aim is not mere realism but rather to create a truthful narrative that resonates with readers, even if the events are imagined.
The subject matter in a novel often reflects universal themes like love, conflict, ambition, or morality, yet the art lies in how the novelist presents these common themes in fresh and engaging ways. Hudson emphasizes that fiction is not a reproduction of reality, but an imaginative exploration of life’s essence.
2. The Importance of Fidelity
Fidelity refers to the truthfulness and credibility of the novel in relation to life. Hudson argues that while a novel may be a work of imagination, it must still remain true to human nature. Readers must be able to recognize the reality of emotions, motivations, and actions within the fictional world. This fidelity is not the same as factual accuracy; instead, it is about psychological realism—the novel should resonate with readers because the characters and events feel authentic, even if they are entirely invented.
For Hudson, the novel must strike a balance between imagination and reality, making sure the narrative remains plausible. The novelist should avoid the extremes of either slavish adherence to facts or wild flights of fancy that disconnect the reader from the core human truths.
3. Plot
The plot is central to any novel as it provides the structure for the unfolding of the story. Hudson describes plot as the organization of events that gives shape and direction to the narrative. A well-constructed plot is logical, coherent, and engaging, with each event leading naturally to the next.
For Hudson, the plot serves more than just a sequence of happenings; it is the framework through which the novel’s deeper themes are explored. The events within the plot must be arranged so that they contribute to the development of the characters and the revelation of the novel’s central ideas. Hudson underscores that a good plot is unified and that no incident should feel extraneous or irrelevant.
4. The Gift of Story-telling
While plot provides the structure, storytelling involves the art of engaging the reader through narrative technique and style. Hudson stresses the importance of the novelist’s ability to hold the reader’s attention, creating a sense of anticipation and emotional investment in the story.
A novelist with the gift of storytelling knows how to balance description, dialogue, and action, and how to maintain a rhythm that keeps the reader absorbed. Storytelling is not just about what happens but how it is told. The novelist’s voice, tone, and point of view all play a role in crafting an engaging narrative.
5. Loose Plot and Organic Plot
Hudson distinguishes between a loose plot and an organic plot. A loose plot is one where events seem disconnected or episodic, with little sense of inevitability or causality. While this type of plot can still be entertaining, it often lacks the depth and coherence of a more structured narrative. Loose plots may rely on chance happenings or coincidence, which can make them less satisfying from a literary perspective.
An organic plot, on the other hand, is characterized by a sense of unity and inevitability. In an organic plot, every event feels necessary and contributes to the overall structure of the novel. There is a natural progression from one event to the next, and the reader feels that each moment is connected to the larger themes and ideas of the novel. The characters, their actions, and their development are all interwoven with the plot in a way that feels harmonious and complete.
6. Simple and Compound Plots
Hudson also makes a distinction between simple plots and compound plots. A simple plot follows a single, linear storyline with a clear beginning, middle, and end. The focus is usually on a small number of characters, and the novel explores a singular conflict or theme. This type of plot is often found in shorter novels or those with a more straightforward narrative structure.
A compound plot, in contrast, involves multiple storylines or subplots that are interconnected. This type of plot is more complex and allows for the exploration of different themes or character relationships simultaneously. Compound plots are often found in longer novels, where the author has the space to develop a rich, layered narrative. In such novels, the subplots often mirror or contrast with the main plot, enriching the reader’s understanding of the novel’s central ideas.
7. Methods of Narration
Finally, Hudson addresses the methods of narration in the novel, which play a crucial role in shaping the reader’s experience. Different narrative techniques can create different levels of intimacy between the reader and the characters. For instance:
- First-person narration allows readers to see the world through the eyes of a single character, creating a strong sense of subjectivity and personal involvement.
- Third-person omniscient narration offers a more detached perspective, allowing the narrator to provide insight into the thoughts and motivations of multiple characters, as well as to present events from a broader viewpoint.
- Third-person limited narration focuses on the perspective of one or a few characters, providing a balance between the personal connection of first-person narration and the broader scope of third-person omniscient narration.
The choice of narrative method affects the novel’s tone, the level of dramatic irony, and the degree to which the reader becomes immersed in the characters’ inner lives.
Conclusion
Hudson’s exploration of plot in the novel offers a comprehensive understanding of how subject matter, fidelity, storytelling, and the structure of the plot come together to create a compelling narrative. Whether through a simple or compound plot, the novelist must balance the demands of truthfulness and creativity, crafting a narrative that resonates with readers while maintaining a sense of coherence and purpose.
Reference:
Hudson, William Henry. An introduction to the study of literature. Harrap, 1919.
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