Does a Good Novel Have to Have a Purpose or Moral?
It’s a very interesting question. Based on my internet research, there happen to be four possible responses to this question. There is no correct answer to this question. So, the four opinions are-
- Moral Lessons (Teleological View)
- Art for Art’s Sake (Aesthetic View)
- Exploration and Complexity (Open-Ended View)
- Art is for Entertainment — this one is my favorite.
Moral Lessons (Teleological View)
Traditionally, some believe a good novel should impart a moral lesson or teach the reader something valuable about life. This view emphasizes the didactic purpose of literature, where stories are seen as tools for moral instruction.
Leo Tolstoy believed that art, including novels, should “evoke in the soul of the receiver a feeling of oneness with all mankind.” His works, like “Anna Karenina,” explored social issues and morality. Jane Austen was known for witty social commentary. Austen also tackled issues of propriety and morality within the constraints of her time period. (“Pride and Prejudice”) Charles Dickens used his novels to expose social injustices and advocate for reform. (“Oliver Twist”, “A Tale of Two Cities”)
Art for Art’s Sake (Aesthetic View)
This view tells that, a novel’s value lies in its artistic merit, its ability to entertain, and the beauty of its language and storytelling. The focus is on the experience of reading, the emotions evoked, and the exploration of human themes and experiences.
James Joyce believed art should be challenging and innovative, not preachy. His work, like “Ulysses,” is famous for its stream-of-consciousness style and complexity. Virginia Woolf focused on capturing the essence of human experience, emotions, and consciousness in her novels like “Mrs. Dalloway” and “To the Lighthouse.”
Exploration and Complexity (Open-Ended View)
Many great novels raise questions and challenge readers’ perspectives without providing definitive answers. They offer opportunities for exploration, reflection, and individual interpretation.
Fyodor Dostoevsky’s “Crime and Punishment” delves into psychological complexity, while Gabriel Garcia Marquez‘s “One Hundred Years of Solitude” blends realism and magical realism to explore themes of family, history, and memory. Franz Kafka explored existential themes and alienation in his works like “The Metamorphosis” and “The Trial,” leaving interpretation open-ended.
Art is for Entertainment
Oscar Wilde famously stated, “‘an 1891 letter to a young man, Bernulf Clegg. Wilde told him, “Art is useless because its aim is simply to create a mood. It is not meant to instruct, or to influence action in any way. . . . A work of art is useless as a flower is useless. A flower blossoms for its own joy. We gain a moment of joy by looking at it.”’.” He believed art should be valued for its beauty and ability to evoke emotions, not for moral messages.
Noël Coward emphasized entertainment, saying, “What’s the use of living if it can’t be fun?” His plays and novels were known for their wit and lightheartedness.
The Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder:
The truth is, a novel’s purpose can be multifaceted. Some stories offer clear morals, while others leave readers to ponder their own takeaways. The beauty lies in the reader’s interpretation and the experience the novel creates.
Do Novels Need Morals?
Not necessarily. A captivating story, well-developed characters, and a glimpse into a different world can be just as valuable. However, a strong moral message can elevate a novel by prompting reflection, sparking social change, or offering a new perspective on life’s complexities.
Ultimately, the purpose of a novel is up to the author and the reader’s interpretation. Whether it’s entertainment, social commentary, or simply a captivating story, novels have the power to enrich our lives in countless ways.
