Attend a masterclass in literary criticism with E. M. Forster’s ‘Aspects of the Novel’, and read the complete book online for free.
Originally delivered as a series of lectures at Trinity College, Cambridge, in 1927, E. M. Forster’s Aspects of the Novel remains one of the most accessible, witty, and enduring works of literary criticism ever written. Unlike the dense, jargon-heavy academic texts that would follow, Forster’s approach is conversational, opinionated, and refreshingly free of pretension. He gathers the great novelists of the past—from Defoe to Dickens, Sterne to Proust—into a metaphorical “round table” and asks us to listen in on their conversation.
Forster eschews rigid historical timelines and dry classifications. Instead, he identifies seven universal “aspects” of the novel: Story, People, Plot, Fantasy, Prophecy, Pattern, and Rhythm. Within these chapters, he gives us concepts that have become permanent fixtures in the writer’s vocabulary, most famously the distinction between “flat” and “round” characters. This book is not a rulebook; it is an invitation to think more deeply about how fiction works and why it moves us.
On this page, you can sit in on Forster’s legendary Cambridge lectures. We offer the complete 1927 critical work for online reading.
Book Info
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Title | Aspects of the Novel |
| Author | E. M. Forster |
| Year of Publication | 1927 |
| Genre | Literary Criticism, Essay, Lecture Series |
| Language | English |
| Legal Status | Public Domain in the U.S. (Published pre-1928) |
| Format | Online Reading |
Read Aspects of the Novel Online
Join the great writers at the round table. Begin Forster’s brilliant, informal lectures on the art of fiction interactively below.
This preview introduces Forster’s conversational method and his famous distinction between story and plot, but the full series of seven insightful lectures is available in the complete text for our subscribers.
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About the Book Aspects of the Novel
More than a century after the lectures were delivered, Forster’s ideas remain the foundation upon which we discuss character, narrative, and form.
Flat and Round Characters
This is Forster’s most enduring contribution. Flat characters are “constructed round a single idea or quality” and can be summed up in a single sentence (e.g., “I will never desert Mr. Micawber”). Round characters are complex, capable of surprising us, and possess the “incalculability of life.” Forster argues that great novels need both.
The Difference Between Story and Plot
This distinction is often misquoted. Forster clarifies: “The king died and then the queen died” is a story (a sequence of events in time). “The king died, and then the queen died of grief” is a plot (a sequence driven by causality). Plot requires mystery and intelligence; story simply requires curiosity (“and then?”).
Prophecy and Fantasy
Forster dedicates space to modes of fiction that defy simple realism. “Prophecy” describes authors like Dostoevsky and D.H. Lawrence, whose work reaches beyond character and incident toward a cosmic or religious vision. “Fantasy” refers to stories that introduce supernatural elements or directly address the reader, breaking the “illusion” of reality.
The Role of the Reader
Forster never forgets that novels exist to be read. He dismisses the idea of a single, “correct” interpretation. He cares about what the novel does to a reader—whether it amuses, bores, terrifies, or enlightens. This humanistic approach keeps the book warm and engaging, even when dealing with complex technical issues.
Pattern and Rhythm
In the final lectures, Forster compares the novel to other art forms. “Pattern” is the shape of the plot, like a symphony or a piece of architecture. “Rhythm” is the repetition of motifs and phrases that create a sense of internal cohesion. These are subtle, difficult aspects, and Forster treats them with humility.
Why Read Aspects of the Novel Today?
Whether you are a writer seeking craft, a student preparing for exams, or simply a reader who loves fiction, this book will change how you read. Forster gives you the tools to articulate why a novel works or fails. It is a book that treats literature not as a corpse to be dissected, but as a living, breathing art form.
FAQ
Do I need to have read all the books Forster mentions?
No. Forster summarizes the plots and characters he discusses. However, the more you have read, the richer the experience will be.
Is this book only for academics?
Not at all. Forster specifically rejects academic dryness. He writes for the common reader who reads for pleasure.
What is the difference between “story” and “plot”?
Story answers the question “and then?” Plot answers the question “why?” Plot requires causality; story merely requires chronology.
Can I read it on my phone?
Yes. The lecture format divides the book into clear, manageable sections, perfect for reading on any device.