In human society, the impact of literature is undeniable; since literature acts as a form of expression for each individual author. All books hold mirrors up to society and allow us to better understand the world we live in. Literature is important to us as it teaches the universal human experience. It also provides different meanings to different people, or teaches different lessons to the same person at different stages of his / her life. The novel is one of the major forms of literature which generally deals imaginatively with human experiences, usually through a connected sequence of events involving a group of persons in a specific setting. It is a genre of fiction and fiction may be defined as a form of art. It is not a short story in prose, instead, it is actually an extensive and illustrated account of events that happened right through the life of a character.
A student of literature must be aware of novels as the major form of literature and its basic constituents, arrangement of episodes, narrative technique and plot requirements. This form gives us a live experience of texture and structure of life and transcends the temporal and special limits. Plot, characterization, setting, narrative technique, point of view, theme and historical development of the genre are discussed here. By studying and appreciating novels, the students can develop their interpretative abilities and enhance their analytical skills.
In order have a deep insight into the form of novel on the part of the students, the BOS, Savitribai Phule Poona University has prescribed a detailed study of aspects of novel and in view with the practical application of these aspects, three novels, viz, Nineteen Eighty-four, by George Orwell, The White Tiger, by Aravinda Agada and Beloved by Tonny Morrison have been recommended. Present work aims at to introduce students to the basics of novel as a literary form, to expose students to the historical development and nature of novel, to make them aware of different types and aspects of novel, to develop literary sensibility and sense of cultural diversity in students and to expose students to some of the best examples of novel.